Post-Operative Instructions: Dental Extractions

 
 
 

Medication:

  • If you are prescribed an antiseptic mouth rinse (chlorhexidine or Peridex™), use it for a week.

  • Start taking pain medications and eat something within 30 minutes after the procedure. Narcotics (oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine) can cause nausea if you take them on an empty stomach.

  • If you have a reaction to any medicine that Central Washington Oral and Facial Surgery (CWOFS) gave you, stop taking it immediately and call the office.

  • Usually, you should also take 400 mg of ibuprofen and 325 mg of Tylenol® every 6 hours in addition to your other pain medicine. Ask the CWOFS team or your pharmacist if you should not be taking this in addition.

Diet:

  • Do not chew on the affected site for 2–3 weeks, and adhere to a soft diet (smoothies, eggs, well-cooked pasta, etc.).

Other:

  • To stop bleeding, put gauze on that site, and apply constant pressure for 30 minutes. Repeat 2 times if necessary.

  • If the bleeding continues, replace the gauze with a black tea bag for 30 minutes. Tannins in the tea help clot blood.

  • Avoid spitting, hot beverages, and carbonated beverages after surgery, as they encourage bleeding to continue.

  • The stitches may dissolve or may need to be removed. Just ask the team if you are unsure.

  • Use an ice pack on your face to help with swelling — 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off for the first 24 hours.

Taking Care of the Surgery Site:

  • First day after surgery: Do not rinse your mouth. Clean the other teeth as you would normally.

To request a consultation and learn more about our services, please request an appointment now. We look forward to helping you improve your oral health and smile!