Postoperative instructions after tooth extraction surgery
By carefully following these instructions, you can minimize discomfort and ensure a quick, smooth recovery after your surgery, reducing the risk of complications.
For any problems or questions, please contact the medical office.
- Rest for the remainder of the day after surgery.
- Avoid strenuous work and travel for the next 48 hours, and refrain from intense physical exercise for 1 week after surgery.
- Healing is faster when you get enough rest.
- After lying down for an extended period, get up slowly to avoid dizziness.
- Stitches are typically removed after 7 days.
Swelling, Pain, Limited Mouth Opening, and Bruising
- Swelling, pain, reduced mouth opening, and bruising in the surgical area are normal and expected after tooth extraction.
- The severity of these symptoms depends on the location and difficulty of the extraction.
- Symptoms usually appear immediately after surgery, increase over the first 48 hours, then gradually subside and typically resolve within 8 days if there are no complications.
- If symptoms are excessive or accompanied by fever or severe pain, contact your doctor’s office.
- Applying ice externally over the surgical area helps reduce swelling and speeds up recovery.
- Ice is most effective during the first 8 hours after surgery.
- Place ice or an ice pack on the skin over the surgical area immediately after surgery. To avoid burns, wrap the ice or ice pack in a towel and apply intermittently: 10 minutes on, 5 minutes off, and repeat as needed.
- Always take prescribed medications exactly as directed by your doctor. If you have any questions or problems, consult your doctor.
- Take the first painkiller immediately after the operation, before the anesthesia wears off. Then, take it regularly every 6–8 hours for the first day (maximum 4 tablets in 24 hours), depending on the prescribed painkiller. From the next day, use painkillers only if needed.
- If antibiotics are prescribed, take them at the exact dose and frequency, and for the full duration as instructed by your doctor.
- Some medications may cause dizziness or fatigue. Rest will help you cope.
- To avoid stomach upset, take medications after eating unless instructed otherwise. If necessary, you may be given medication to protect your stomach.
- Do not consume alcohol while taking medication, as it can reduce absorption and may interact negatively with some drugs.
- If you experience side effects such as dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, rash, itching, or swelling, contact your doctor’s office immediately.
- Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking that affect blood clotting, such as Sintrom, Plavix, aspirin, etc.
- It is normal to notice slightly bloody saliva during the first 24 hours after surgery.
- Keep the gauze in place by gently biting down for 20–30 minutes after surgery.
- Minor postoperative bleeding may occur but can usually be controlled with simple steps:
- Rinse your mouth with cold water or salt water to clean and identify the bleeding site.
- Press firmly on the bleeding area with one or more sterile gauzes moistened with cold salt water for 20 minutes. Repeat if necessary. If bleeding does not decrease, contact your doctor.
- Try to control pain and irritation, as they can increase blood pressure and prolong bleeding. Take painkillers as instructed, and only take sedatives after consulting your doctor.
- Avoid using alcohol and aspirin for up to 2 days after surgery, as both can affect blood clotting and impair healing.
- Do not rinse, spit or suck on the wound for 24–36 hours after surgery to avoid disturbing the blood clot and delaying healing.
- Do not brush your teeth or use mouthwash on the day of surgery. Begin using the prescribed mouthwash on the second postoperative day.
- The day after surgery, you may resume brushing and interdental cleaning on areas not involved in the operation.
- From the day after surgery, gently clean the surgical area with your finger or a very soft toothbrush and toothpaste three times a day, followed by the prescribed mouthwash. Try to use your regular toothbrush on the surgical area after day 3. Mild discomfort and slight bleeding at first are normal.
- Frequent gentle rinses with lukewarm salt water or chamomile are also recommended for better oral hygiene.
- During the first two hours, only a small amount of liquid (water or milk) is allowed, just enough to take your medication.
- After the first two hours, you may eat soft, watery foods at a normal temperature, avoiding the surgical area as much as possible.
- Avoid hot drinks during the first 24 hours after surgery.
- It is recommended to drink liquids, such as water and natural juices, but do not use a straw.
- From the second day, gradually return to your normal diet, but avoid chewing on the operated area for 2–3 weeks. Chewing helps restore mouth opening and reduces swelling and bruising.
- Avoid very hot, acidic, or spicy foods, as well as crunchy or seeded foods (chips, nuts, cereals, lentils) until the wound is completely healed.
For any problems or questions, contact your doctor’s office.
The information provided here is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For any problem or concern, always contact your oral and maxillofacial surgeon.