ANESTHETICS

Depending on the type and location of the anesthetic used, the length of time you experience numbness may vary greatly. At the conclusion of most dental surgery procedures, a very long lasting type of local anesthetic is used to reduce the need for narcotic pain medication during the initial eight to twelve hours. (back to top)

You will leave the office with gauze over any extraction site. This is placed to allow the blood clot to form so that bleeding stops. There may be some bleeding or oozing while the clot is forming. Frequently, small amounts of blood mixes with large amounts of saliva making it look as though a lot of bleeding has taken place. To minimize bleeding, please leave the pack in place for four hours. You may replace it during this interval with fresh gauze following any food or fluid intake. If you have had periodontal surgery, you will leave the office with a surgical dressing or splint over the site.

If fresh bleeding occurs after this initial recovery period, fold a piece of clean moist gauze into a thick pad and bite down firmly for an additional half to one hour, replacing it as needed. If this bleeding continues, call DDA at 503-227-0958.

Do not use a straw for intake or suck on the extraction site. A slight amount of oozing is normal after any oral surgery. Keep your head slightly elevated to reduce this bleeding pressure and rest or sleep with two to three pillows. Place a towel over any pillows to prevent soiling linens. (back to top)

You will leave the office with prescriptions for your post-operative care. These will include pain medication, and may also include antibiotics, anti inflammatory medications, and antiseptic rinses. Please take these medications as prescribed. Medications can sometimes cause nausea. Do not take them on an empty stomach. Instead take them with some easily digested food or soda crackers. Although pain medications can be taken on an as needed basis, antibiotics should be taken exactly as prescribed.

If you have known allergies, please make sure the doctor knows these prior to writing any prescriptions. If you experience nausea, vomiting, or other side effects, please call DDA at 503-227-0958. If you experience any signs of acute distress, i.e.: difficulty with breathing, call 911 immediately.

Many medications have side effects or interfere with other medications you may be taking. For instance, the penicillin group will interfere with birth control pills, making those less reliable. Make sure your DDA doctor knows what other drugs or medications you may be taking. (back to top)

Surgery will cause both postoperative pain and swelling. You can reduce both of these with the application of cold compresses for the first six to eight hours. You will be given instructions on application of compresses. They should be applied intermittently, on and off again at fifteen minute intervals. Do not apply ice or frozen compresses directly to your face or cheek without a cloth layer protecting your skin surface. (back to top)

After surgery, drink lots of fluids, and eat soft, nutritious foods. Avoid alcohol and hot liquids. Begin eating solid foods on the following day or as soon as you can comfortably chew. Try to avoid chewing near the surgical sites. If you experience nausea or vomiting, call DDA at 503-227-0958. (back to top)

Start gently rinsing your mouth the day following your surgery. You may do this with the prescribed antiseptic medication, if given, or with warm salt water (half a teaspoon of salt in an 8 oz glass of warm water). Rinsing after meals is important to keep the surgical site clean. To avoid disturbing the surgical site, do not rinse too vigorously. Avoid using any mouthwashes containing alcohol during this early phase.

Continue flossing and brushing during this healing period. Avoid flossing at the surgical sites for the first week. Brush cautiously and gently near any surgical sites, using warm water to soften your toothbrush bristles. Avoid brushing near such site if it is painful. Brush the surface of your tongue to eliminate bad breath and reduce the bacteria in your mouth. (back to top)

You will be given written postoperative instructions either before or after you surgery. These will be reviewed with you prior to your leaving the office. If indicated, you may also be given specific instructions for your particular surgery. Please follow these as directed. (back to top)