Swelling and Bruising

Swelling and bruising of the face and neck may occur after surgery and may last up to 72 hours, then gradually subside over one week.  Ice packs can be used 15 minutes on, then 15 minutes off for the first 24 hours as required.

Rinsing

The day after surgery you can rinse your mouth with ½ teaspoon of salt in a 8 oz glass of water.  This will help to keep the extraction site clean and will aid with healing.   

Limited Mouth Opening

Your jaw muscles may become stiff and sore from holding your mouth open during surgery.  This common side affect can last up to 10 days. 

Temperature Elevation

After surgery it is normal to see an increase in temperature to (102 degrees F or 39 degrees C) for 1-2 days after surgery.

Stitches

Stitches may be placed in the area after surgery to minimize post-operative bleeding and to speed healing.  Most stitches will dissolve within 5 days.  Occasionally they become dislodged, if this happens remove the suture from your mouth with clean hands and discard it. 

Bleeding

Bleeding after an extraction is a normal part of the healing process.  If bleeding persists place a gauze pad or a moist tea bag in the extraction area and bite on it for 30 minutes. 

Smoking

Do not smoke after an extraction for 24 hours.  Smoking can interfere with the healing process, and also the sucking motion could dislodge the blood clot.  Patients who smoke have more complications with healing than patients who do not smoke.   

Diet

You will be able to drink and eat soft foods after surgery but DO NOT drink from a straw for the first 24 hours, the sucking motion could dislodge the blood clot.   Soups, chicken or beef broths, fruit or vegetable juices and food supplements are good choices and will prevent dehydration.  Do not drink any alcohol for 24 hours after surgery.  

Medications

Antibiotics should be taken until the prescription is finished.  Pain medication should be taken as prescribed to you.  Your pain medicine should keep you reasonably comfortable and is best taken with fluids or food – Advil or Acetaminophen work well.