| |
|
|
| |
- Bleeding - It is normal to have some blood in your mouth
for the first 24 hours after a procedure. Gauze will be have
blood on it if you take it in and out during this period. If
you take the gauze out after the recommended two hours you should
see little to no oozing. Have someone shine a light in your
mouth and see if there is blood oozing from anywhere, if not leave
the gauze out. If bleeding persists, roll up a firm gauze
pack (or tea bag), moisten it and insert it over the site.
Keep firm pressure over the site for an additional 30
minutes. This should take care of the problem. The
most common reason for bleeding is inadequate packing &
pressure over the site. Other reasons can be talking too
much or too much activity. Patients rarely need to return
for bleeding, but if you think it isn't doing as it should,
contact us.
- Pain Management - Keep your head, back and shoulders
elevated at least 30 degrees; take your pain medication as
directed; keep your activity down for the first three days unless
you have been told otherwise
- Swelling - head back and shoulder elevation is your best
defense against swelling. You may apply ice if you
wish. Heat should not be applied because it tends to promote
swelling. Swelling may peak at the third post-operative day
then slowly return to normal by the 7th to 10th day. Normal
swelling is soft and somewhat warm to the touch. Firm
painful swelling may need to be checked by our doctors.
- Infection - This is usually rare and generally doesn't
occur till days after a procedure. It is highly unusual to
have an infection from a procedure the day of the procedure.
- Numbness - most numbness will go away after 6 to 8
hours. If you are still numb the day after your procedure,
do not be alarmed, it will get better 99% of the time. We
will check it on your post-op visits.
- Dry Socket - Dry sockets result from a loss of the clot
in the extraction site. Smoking and Birth Control Pills are
casually related to dry sockets. Dry socket pain is
usually related to a lower tooth and will hurt from the ear
radiating to the lower front teeth. They occur as early as 72
hours post-op to 10 days post-op. Treatment usually entails
washing the socket out and placing a medicated dressing in the
socket. You may try applying Ora-Gel.
- Sutures - Some sutures dissolve and will fall out
spontaneously in 3-7 days. Others may last longer.
Sometimes we use sutures that will need removal. These
will be looked at the day you return for your post-op visit.
- Activity - You should not drive for 24 hours after
intravenous anesthesia or while taking narcotic pain
medications. You should take at least two days off from work
or school. Avoid contact sports or strenuous exercise for at
least 7 days. You should avoid blowing your nose for two
weeks if you had an upper back tooth removed.
- Charges for Post-Operative Visits - Generally there are
no charges for follow-up visits. Rarely there is a charge,
but this is usually related to something that needs to be done
that goes beyond normal post-op treatment.
- QUESTIONS - Any concerns should be addressed with our
office. This information is not presented as a substitute
for appropriate treatment
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
