S. SHAUN DANESHGAR, D.M.D.
HENRY H. LO, D.M.D.
ORAL SURGERY CENTER
Reconstructive Facial & Jaw Surgery
Oral Implants
www.oralsurgeryctr.com
oralsurgerycenter@gmail.com
6360 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 403
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Tel: 323.653.9440 Fax: 323.653.3586
POST OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
First Hour:
Bite down gently but firmly on the gauze packs that have been placed over the surgical areas, making sure they remain in place.
Do not change them for the first hour unless the bleeding is not being controlled. If active bleeding persists after one hour, place enough new gauze to obtain pressure over the surgical site for another 30-45 minutes. The gauze may be changed as necessary and may be damped and / or fluffed for more comfortable positioning.
Exercise Care:
Do not disturb the surgical area today, Do Not rinse vigorously or probe the area with any objects or your fingers. You may brush your teeth gently. DO NOT SMOKE for at least 48 hours, since it is very detrimental to healing.
Oozing:
Intermittent bleeding or oozing is normal. It may be controlled by placing fresh gauze over the surgical areas and biting down firmly for 30-45 minutes.
Steady Bleeding:
Bleeding should never be severe. If it is, it usually means that the gauze packs are being clenched between your teeth rather than exerting pressure on the surgical areas. Try repositioning fresh gauze packs. If bleeding persists or becomes heavy, you may substitute the gauze with a tea bag (soaked in hot water, squeezed, damp dry, placed directly over the wound) for 20 to 30 minutes. If bleeding remains uncontrolled, please call our office.
Swelling:
Often there is some swelling associated with oral surgery. You can minimize this by using a cold pack or ice bag wrapped in a towel and applied firmly to your face or cheek adjacent to the surgical area. This should be applied 20 minutes off during the first 12 or 24 hours after surgery. If you have been prescribed medicine for the control of swelling, be sure to take it as directed. After 24 hours, it is usually best to switch from ice to moist hear on your face in the surgical areas.
Pain:
Apply warm compresses to the skin overlying areas of swelling (hot water bottle, moist hot towels, and heating pad) for 20 minutes on and off to help sooth those tender areas. This will also help decrease swelling and stiffness.
Syringe:
If you were given an irrigating syringe, start using it the third day after surgery to keep sockets clean. Fill it with warm water and irrigate any open sockets gently, especially after eating.
Exercising:
Do not do heavy exercising for at least 72 hours (3 days), or as instructed by the doctor. (no weight lifting, running, sports).
Dry Sockets:
Normal healing after tooth extraction should be as follows: The 1st day of surgery is usually the most uncomfortable and there is some degree of swelling and stiffness. The 2nd day you will usually be far more comfortable and, although still swollen, you can usually begin a more substantial diet. On the 3rd day a GRADUAL, STEADY IMPROVEMENT should mark the remainder of your post-operative course. If a DRY SOCKET occurs (loss of blood clot from the socket, usually on the 3rd to 5th day), there is a noticeable, distinct, persistent throbbing pain in the jaw, radiating toward the ear and forward along the jaw causing the other teeth to ache. If you do not see steady improvement during the 1st few days after surgery, don’t suffer needlessly. Call the office and report symptoms so you can be seen as soon as possible.
It is our desire that your recovery be as smooth and pleasant as possible. Following these instructions will assist you, but if you have questions about your progress, please call our office. Please try calling during office hours; however a 24 hour answering service is available for emergency contact with a doctor. Calling during office hours will afford a faster response.