After Tooth Extractions
- Bleeding: Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. If bleeding continues please call for further instructions.
- Swelling: Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling, apply an ice bag, or a plastic bag, or towel filled with ice on the cheek in the area of the surgery. Apply the ice continuously, as much as possible, for the first 24 hours. Sometimes the swelling may get slightly worse on the third day after surgery.
- Diet: Drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself well hydrated. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. Gradually advance to a normal diet as tolerated unless otherwise directed
- Pain: You should begin to taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. For mild to moderate pain, consider using over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol, or Ibuprofen(Advil or Motrin). For severe pain, contact Clear Fork Dental. Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it.
- Antibiotics: Be sure to take any prescribed antibiotics as directed and complete the ENTIRE regimen to help prevent infection.
- Activity: Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. If you are considering exercise, throbbing or bleeding may occur. If this occurs, you should discontinue exercising. Keep in mind that you are probably not taking normal nourishment. This may weaken you and further limit your ability to exercise.
- Wearing Your Prosthesis: Essix, partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures should be used as directed by Dr. Cole. and/or Dr. Shelby in your post-surgery instructions.