Post-Operative Instructions: Oral surgery/Extractions

Following oral surgery, several conditions may occur that are considered normal:

Swelling

·  Swelling of the cheek, jaw, and surrounding areas is expected.

·  Swelling may increase during the first 24–48 hours and can last several days.

·  Bruising or discoloration of the skin may also occur.

Pain

·  Discomfort is normal after surgery and should be controlled with prescribed or recommended medication.

·  Sensitivity in nearby teeth is also common.

Bleeding

·  A small amount of bleeding is expected for up to 24 hours.

·  Blood mixed with saliva may appear darker or heavier than it actually is.

Temperature

·  A mild elevation in body temperature for 24–48 hours is not unusual.

Dry Lips

·  Dryness or cracking of the lips or corners of the mouth may occur.

·  Applying lip balm or ointment can help.

Nausea

·  Nausea following anesthesia is not uncommon, especially if medications are taken on an empty stomach.

·  Jaw muscles may feel tight, causing difficulty opening the mouth.

·  A mild earache may develop.

·  Temporary numbness of the lip, tongue, or cheek may occur and usually resolves within a few weeks.

o  In rare cases, numbness may persist longer or be permanent.

·  Bite firmly on the gauze pad for 45 minutes following surgery.

·  Keep steady pressure; do not remove the gauze prematurely.

·  If bleeding continues, replace with fresh gauze and apply pressure for one full hour.

·  Sit upright and remain as inactive as possible.

·  Rest is critical for proper healing.

·  Keep your head elevated while resting or sleeping.

·  Use extra pillows at night and avoid lying flat.

·  Take pain medication exactly as prescribed.

·  As discomfort decreases, you may switch to aspirin or Tylenol every 4 hours as needed.

·  Do not take medication on an empty stomach.

·  Take all other prescribed medications as directed.

·  Avoid alcoholic beverages while taking medications.

·  Contact the office if pain is not adequately controlled.

·  Apply ice packs to the outside of the face over the surgical area:

o  30 minutes on / 30 minutes off

o  Continue for the first 12 hours, except while sleeping

·  After 24 hours, warm moist compresses may be used until swelling subsides.

·  Avoid hot foods and beverages on the day of surgery.

·  Eat soft foods such as:

o  Eggs

o  Mashed potatoes

o  Cereals

o  Liquid or semi-solid foods

·  If surgery was limited to one side, you may chew on the opposite side as tolerated.

DO NOT smoke or use tobacco for at least 48 hours

DO NOT drink through a straw or create suction

DO NOT rinse or use mouthwash for 48 hours

DO NOT spit forcefully

DO NOT touch the surgical site with fingers or tongue

DO NOT take medication on an empty stomach

DO NOT drink alcohol while taking pain medication

DO NOT drive or operate machinery for 24 hours after anesthesia

DO NOT engage in strenuous activity for the remainder of the day

Please contact our office if you experience:

·  Excessive or uncontrolled bleeding

·  Increasing pain or swelling after several days

·  Fever

·  Any describes or unexpected symptoms

© 2025 John E. Sullivan DDS, P.C.

This document is the property of John E. Sullivan DDS, P.C. and is intended for use within this practice only.