Extractions

Post-Operative Advice Following Extractions:

1. After surgery, some light bleeding is possible. This can be reduced by applying pressure to the extraction area, by biting hard on a chilled, damp gauze for half an hour. Lie with your head raised and do this every half hour, until the bleeding subsides. A pink saliva tinge is commonplace for twenty-four hours after surgery. Contact Dr. Huelsman if the bleeding doesn’t subside.

2. Avoid smoking, spitting or using straws. This will generate a sucking motion and hinder your recovery and/or encourage bleeding. Saliva needs to be gently evacuated.

3. Do not rinse your mouth for twenty-four hours after surgery. Then, start by rinsing with half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of hot water four times daily. Rinsing more frequently than this will ease the wound further. Carry on rinsing for one week post surgery, unless otherwise stated.

4. Apply an ice pack to your face for as long as possible during the first two days after surgery. This will lessen any swelling. Try doing this in twenty minute intervals.

5. Consume a light diet on the first day after surgery and drink lots of cool liquids.

6. Brush your teeth as normal the day after surgery. However, be careful when brushing the area near to the extraction site.

7. Swelling is expected after oral surgery. This should subside after forty-eight hours.