Please read the attached post-operative instructions carefully and follow all the precautions during the recovery period. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, thank you!
Blood Clot Formation
After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process.
Gauze Pad Instructions
– Use a gauze pad for 20-30 minutes after the appointment.
– Change the gauze with clean hands after 20-30 minutes until bleeding stops.
– If the bleeding or oozing persists, insert another gauze pad (rolled up) and bite firmly for another 30 minutes.
– Sit up and apply an ice pack from the outside of your face. Repeat as needed.
– If you run out of gauze, a tea bag is an alternative option. Boil water, make yourself tea to sterilize the tea bag, then wring the tea bag dry, and put a COOLED DOWN tea bag at the extraction site.
Oral Hygiene
– Do not rinse for 24 hours after surgery.
– Brush your teeth after surgery with water only, no toothpaste. After 24 hours, you can brush your teeth as normal, making sure to avoid the surgery site.
Activities to Avoid
– Avoid spitting, sucking, slurping, or blowing motions (no blowing balloons, no blowing out candles, etc.).
– Keep your fingers and tongue away from the socket or surgical area.
– Avoid strenuous activity and do not exercise for at least 3-4 days after surgery. Be careful as your regular caloric and fluid intake have been reduced, so you may get light-headed, dizzy, or weak.
– Avoid activities that will cause changes in your sinus pressure, e.g., air travel or diving for a minimum of 5 days, ideally wait for two weeks.
Pain and Swelling Management
– Use ice packs on the surgical area (side of face) for the first 24 hours; apply ice 20 minutes on and 10 minutes off. (Note: Bags of frozen peas work well.)
– If the swelling has subsided, use a warm moist heat compress on the outside of your face over the spots that are stiff to relax these muscles.
– For pain management, take paracetamol (Panadol) or ibuprofen as instructed on the medication package, or as prescribed by the dentist.
– If prescribed antibiotics or anti-inflammatories, make sure to finish the prescribed course of medication.
Fluid and Food Intake
– Drink plenty of fluids. Do not use a straw—this creates suction in the mouth that could cause complications.
– Avoid smoking and alcohol for at least a week after surgery (including mouthwash containing alcohol).
– Your diet should consist mainly of soft, easily swallowed foods and cool drinks. Avoid anything that might get stuck in your teeth, such as seeds, nuts, rice, popcorn, or similar foods. Avoid spicy, acidic foods, or anything that may cause further trauma (e.g., shellfish, skewers, fish with bones).
Salt Water Rinse
– Rinsing with a salt water rinse after food is allowed 24 hours after surgery. Use a warm salt water rinse following meals for the first week to flush out particles of food and debris that may lodge in the surgical area. (Mix ½ teaspoon of salt in a glass of pre-boiled lukewarm water).
Sutures
– If sutures were placed, they will be resorbable within 2-3 weeks. If they are causing any discomfort, please contact us to arrange a suture removal.
