A Message from Cassie – our Financial Co-ordinator...
POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR AN EXTRACTION
Continue to bite firmly on gauze for (1) hour. When the gauze is drenched (with blood or saliva), you can change it. Do not pull out a dry gauze. If you want the dry gauze out, sip some water to moisten it before you remove it.
For the next 24 hours, DO NOT rinse your mouth, drink through straws, smoke or spit. This may dislodge the clot which is the healing source.
TO CONTROL PERSISTENT BLEEDING, TRY THE FOLLOWING SEQUENCE UNTIL BLEEDING STOPS:
Replace gauze and bite down firmly for two (2) hours lying quickly.
Replace gauze and apply ice to face for swelling.
Bite down on moistened tea bag for one (1) hour.
Follow preventative instructions.
If the above efforts are unsuccessful, CALL DR. GARRY during office hours at 317-865-3733 or after hours at 317-414-2747.
TO LESSEN THE AMOUNT OF SWELLING:
Apply ice bag to face for 24 hours (20 minutes on and 10 minutes off).
After 48 hours, apply moist heat for 30 minutes every 2-3 hours.
TO CONTROL PAIN:
Take your prescription for pain medication as needed, OR is prescribed medication is not dispensed, see #2.
Take 2 tablets or Ibuprofen or Extra Strength Tylenol four times a day for the next 3 days EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT EXPERIENCING PAIN AT THE TIME. This is to PREVENT pain.
TO PREVENT PAIN:
Do not try to clean out the area; you may dislodge the clot.
Beginning three (3) days after surgery, rinse with warm salt water five (5) times daily – 1 teaspoon of salt and half a glass of water.
Even though your diet will be limited to soft foods and liquids until you can chew naturally, be sure to include fruit juices and nutritious soups daily.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact our office with any questions you may have. We can be reached at 317-865-3733.