Post Operative Instructions for
Extractions and Oral Surgery
Day 1: Continue biting on the gauze for 30-60 minutes following your procedure. Do NOT spit,
rinse, suck (using a straw), smoke, drink carbonated or alcoholic beverages for at least 24 hours.
Passively empty your mouth when needed.
The goal is to keep blood clot in the socket to prevent
bleeding and a painful complication known as DRY SOCKET
Day 2: You will most likely experience one or more of the following symptoms:
Minor pain, swelling, bruising, limitation in opening or closing your mouth, pain in jaw
or ear, sore throat. It is important to listen to your body and take it easy.
No heavy lifting, spitting, sucking, alcohol or smoking.
Oral hygiene: Brush gently. A gentle lukewarm salt water rinse can be used to freshen
your mouth. But again, do not spit; just let the fluid passively empty. The corners of
your mouth may become cracked and dry – moisturize frequently.
Discomfort: Over-the-counter- pain medication (Ibuprofen, Aleve, and Tylenol) may be
taken as directed on the bottle to relieve discomfort.
Swelling: Apply cold compresses to affected area at 10 minute intervals for the first 24
hours to minimize swelling. Any swelling that occurs usually begins to diminish within
72 hours; call the office if there is no change.
Bleeding: Some oozing of blood is normal for the first 12-24 hours. Put a hand towel on
your pillow as some drooling can occur when you are numb. If you experience excessive
bleeding, apply firm pressure with 1-2 folded gauze pads or damp tea bag on the
affected area for 30-60 minutes and keep your head elevated. Call the office if the
bleeding does not subside.
Diet: Drink plenty of fluids.
Avoid carbonated and alcoholic beverages.
A soft diet will be easiest: yogurt, milkshakes (no straw), soups, fish, pasta.
Nothing too spicy is recommended.
It is normal to have a little tenderness while chewing and difficulty opening wide.
Stitches: If you have received sutures, avoid playing with them. A fifteen minute
appointment will be needed to remove the sutures in 7-10 days.
Prescriptions: If you have been prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed until they
are all gone, even if symptoms dissipate. Some antibiotics can interfere with the
effectiveness of birth control pills or other medications. If pain medication or a mouth
rinse is prescribed take as directed.
In case of any unusual disturbances, questions or any post surgical problems, please call the
office.
