Extraction post-op instructions

Prescribed medications should be used as directed.

For the first 12 hours after surgery, ice packs should be placed extra-orally over the surgical site (15 minutes on/15 minutes off).

A small amount of blood oozing from the surgical site is normal; however, in the event of such bleeding, the patient should bite down on sterile gauze for 30 to 45 minutes. If bleeding is excessive, the clinician’s office should be contacted immediately.

Starting the second day after surgery, the patient should rinse with warm salt water for a week and then with Peridex for another week or per the clinician’s instructions.

A soft diet should be followed in the area of the surgery for 2 weeks.

Sucking on a straw, spitting, or smoking should be avoided.

Brushing near the grafted site should be avoided for 1 to 2 days.

The patient should relax as much as possible and avoid all strenuous activities for the first 24 hours following surgery.

The office should be contacted if the patient experiences a fever of 101°F or higher, excessive bleeding, unusual pain, or reaction to the medications prescribed.

The patient should return for the postoperative follow-up and suture removal appointment.