INSTRUCTIONS AFTER A TOOTH EXTRACTION AT OUR OFFICE
1. Bite down on the gauze firmly for at least 30 minutes, changing the gauze as necessary.
2. If instructed to do so, place an ice bag to your face for the first 4 hours, 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off.
3. Immediately following the surgery until the next morning: Do not rinse your mouth or disturb the surgery area. Eat soft foods that do not require much chewing, and avoid hot or spicy foods. You may brush your teeth using a soft toothbrush, moistened with warm water. Do not use toothpaste the first night.
4. Starting on the morning following the surgery, rinse gently with warm salt water (1/2 tsp salt in 4 oz. warm water) 4-6 times a day; morning, after meals, and before bed. Continue the salt water rinse for 5-7 days. Resume your regular oral hygiene routine, but be careful not to disturb the surgery area and the healing process. Do not use Water-pik for 5-7 days.
5. If medicine has been prescribed for you, take them as directed. If you prefer, you may take Tylenol or Advil instead of the prescribed pain medicine. Take the full course of the antibiotics as prescribed. Probiotics or active-culture yogurt may help alleviate some unpleasant GI side effects of antibiotics.
6. If a surgical silk or nylon suture has been placed, you must return to the office in 5-7 days to have it removed. Do not pull on it, or attempt to remove it on your own. If a resorbable suture has been used, it will dissolve on its own in 1-2 weeks.
7. You may experience some minor shifting or sensitivity of the teeth that are around the surgery area.
8. If you have persistent bleeding which continues over 24 hours, adverse aor allergic reactions to medicines, excessive pain or bad odor from the surgery area, call the office immediately. If you have a life threatening emergency, call 911. You will be given a number to call if you need to contact Dr. Keller after office hours.