managing recovery

Gauze

The gauze pad should be folded to 2 inches thick and placed over the surgical area while biting down for a half hour. The gauze should be removed after the initial half hour. If bleeding persists, replace with a fresh piece of gauze.

NOTE: Remove gauze when eating or sleeping.

Pain Medication

Please remove the gauze when taking any medications. Medications are ideally taken with soft foods. Do not delay taking your prescribed pain medication, as we want the medications to start working before the freezing wears off. If you have been prescribed antibiotics, you can take them together with your first dose of pain medication.

Ice

To minimize swelling, apply ice to the outside of your face over the treated area. Keep the ice packs in place for 20 minute intervals, followed by a 20 minute break. This is very important during the first 24 hours. Elevate your head when resting-this can be done by placing several pillows behind your back so you are lying at an incline.

Rest

Restrict your activities the day of surgery and resume normal activity when you feel comfortable.

Keeping it Clean

If you’ve had a tooth removed avoid brushing directly on the surgical site until the fourth day. On day four, it is important to start cleaning the surgical site to prevent infection. Use the curved-tip syringe to flush the socket with chlorhexidine. Also use the special soft toothbrush that we have provided for you, to brush the socket. Envision the bristles of your toothbrush going into the socket.

If you’ve had a tooth removed with bone grafting avoid brushing the grafted site until one week after your procedure. On day eight, it is important to start cleaning the surgical site to prevent infection. Use the special soft toothbrush that we have provided you and brush the area very gently. DO NOT flush or clean the socket.