Please read the following instructions carefully. Following these instructions is essential to achieve a successful result. Also, following these instructions will help make your post-operative course more comfortable and will help to avert any unnecessary complications.

GENERAL POSTOPERATIVE / POST EXTRACTION  INSTRUCTIONS

1. CONTINUE BITING ON GAUZE FOR 30 – 40 MIN: Following extractions some bleeding is to be expected. If persistent bleeding occurs, place new gauze pads over the bleeding area and bite firmly for another 40 min.
2. REST: After leaving the office, rest and avoid strenuous activities for the remainder of the day and the next day. Keep your head elevated (extra pillow) the first two nights after the operation. Limit physical activity during the first 24-48 hours after surgery. Otherwise it may lead to postoperative bleeding and discomfort.
3. DISCOMFORT: It is not unusual to have a certain amount of discomfort and pain for a day or so following your surgery. In many instances, two anesthetic tablets taken every 4 hours, but not more than 10 tablets daily, will be sufficient to relieve discomfort. Do not wait for the pain to become unbearable before using pain medication, as then it will be more difficult to control. It is best not to take aspirin, as it can interfere with blood clotting. Most patients report a “tightening” sensation in the jaw bone for a day or so following the surgery. This will dissipate over time. If necessary, you will be given a prescription for a more potent medication to allow for a mild post surgical recovery period. Take only as prescribed. If significant discomfort persists, please contact the office.
4. DO NOT DISTURB THE AREA OF SURGERY: Allowing the tissues to rest undisturbed assists the healing process. Avoid excessive spitting, vigorous chewing or aggressive rinsing. Otherwise initial healing may be delayed, active bleeding restarted, or infection introduced. Small sharp bone fragments may work up through the gums during healing. These are not roots; if annoying return to the office for their simple removal. You can feel sutures your tongue, it is best to leave them alone. They will dissolve or will be removed by your doctor in time.
5. SWELLING: Minor swelling may follow your surgical procedure. It may take 3-4 days before it reaches a maximum. Bruising may also occur. To prevent or minimize swelling, it is advisable to place an ice-pack over the area for the next two hours after the appointment. Crushed ice in a zip-lock plastic bag works well. Place on the cheek near the surgical site for 20 minutes, then off for 15 minutes, then on again, and so on. Call American Dental Center if swelling around your jaws increases greatly.
6. BLEEDING: A small amount of bleeding is all that is necessary to discolor the saliva and give the appearance of excessive bleeding. Do not be alarmed as this is not unusual. Rinsing the mouth interferes with clotting of the blood, so do not rinse vigorously the first evening. If excessive or continuous bleeding does occur: a) discontinue all rinsing; b) sit up in an erect (do not lie down) position, c) very gently bite on gauze over the area the surgery, and d) tea contains tannic acid, which helps promote blood clotting. If continued bleeding is of concert to you, do not hesitate to call American Dental Center.
7. ALCOHOL AND SMOKING: ABSOLUTELY PROHIBITED FOR THE CERTAIN PERIOD OF TIME DEPENDING ON THE PROCEDURE COMPLETED. Alcoholic beverages can close down blood vessels and destroy blood clots. Smoking is n irritant to healing tissues and will also close down blood vessels. Both will retard healing.
8. DIET: Do not eat hard or firm foods on the side receiving surgical care. If both sides received surgical care, then you should eat a soft diet. Avoid very hot foods and very hot liquids for the first day following surgery. Although a liquid or semisolid (mash) diet may be used at first, keep in mind that adequate nutrition and fluid intake is essential for proper healing. Smoking is highly detrimental to proper healing. Avoid pop-corn, poppy seeds, or other seeds that can get stuck and cause infection. Avoid using a straw for several days: it may dislodge the blood clot and delay healing.
9. FEVER: A slight fever is usual for a day or so following any surgical procedure. Fever may be caused by inadequate fluid intake as well. An adult should consume 8-12 glasses of fluid each day. If an antibiotic was prescribed, be sure to take it as directed. If a fever seems prolonged or excessive, please call the office.
10. ANTIBIOTIC: In all likelihood, you will be given a prescription for an antibiotic. Although infection is an extremely remote possibility, the antibiotic is an additional measure of security. Call the office if you develop a fever.
11. RINSING/ORAL HYGIENE: You may have been given a prescription for Peridex or PerioGuard – an antimicrobial mouthwash. Rinse twice a day as directed. Rinsing the mouth interferes with clotting of the blood, so do not rinse vigorously the first evening. Do not brush your teeth the first day of surgery. You should use your toothbrush and floss on the nonsurgical sites as you usually do. Try not to get the toothbrush tangled with the sutures. A cotton swab can be used on the sutures if you feel that you would like to keep that area clean. Do not use a Water Pik near the surgical site for at least 8 weeks.
12. PROBLEMS: If you have any questions, or if there is any sign of a problem related to the surgery, please call SMILE LINE  9874214569 .In case of any emergency please contact nearest hospital.