Dental Extraction

POST-OP INSTRUCTIONS

Bleeding:

Bleeding was controlled before we discharged your child, but some occasional oozing (pink or blood-tinged saliva) may occur. Hold gauze with firm pressure against the surgical site until oozing has stopped. You may need to change the gauze or repeat this step. If bleeding continues for more than two hours, contact us.

Do not disturb the surgical site. Do not stretch the lips or cheeks to look at the area. Do not rinsevigorously, use mouthwash, or probe the area with fingers or other objects.

Avoid physical exercise and exertion Today.

Diet:

Do not drink with a straw.

Cold soft foods (e.g., applesauce, diced peaches, watermelon, ice cream, gelatin, pudding, yogurt) are ideal the first day. By the second day, consistency of foods can progress as tolerated.

Until healing is more established, avoid foods such as nuts, sunflower seeds, and popcorn that may getlodged in the surgical areas.

Oral Hygiene:

Today, teeth may be brushed and flossed gently, but avoid stimulating the surgical site. Soreness and swelling may not permit vigorous brushing of all areas, but pleasemake every effort to clean the teeth within the bounds of comfort.

Discomfort:

Because some discomfort is expected, you may give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol®), ibuprofen(Advil®, Motrin®), or naproxen (Aleve®, Anaprox®, Naprosyn®) before the numbness wears off. Do NOT give aspirin to your child. Follow the instructions on the bottle for dosing based upon your child’s age/weight. If pain is not relieved by one of these medications, you may alternate acetaminophen and ibuprofen every three hours. Please call our office if pain cannot be controlled with these medications.

Watch for:

Swelling:

Slight swelling and inflammation may occur for the next two days. Ice packs may be used for the first 24 hours (10 minutes on then 10 minutes off) to decrease swelling and/or bruising. Keep the head elevated; avoid lying flat. If swelling persists after 24 hours, warm moist compresses (10 minutes on then 10 minutes off) may help. If swelling occurs after 48 hours, call our office.

Fever:

A slight fever (temperature to 100.5° Fahrenheit) is not uncommon the first 48 hours after surgery. If a higher fever develops or the fever persists, call our office.

703.391.8800