I. Preoperative Instructions for Patients Undergoing Intravenous Anesthesia:
•
You may not have anything to eat or drink (including water) for six (6) hours prior to the appointment.
•
A responsible adult must accompany the patient to the office, remain in the office during the procedure, and be able to drive the patient home.
•
The patient should not drive a vehicle or operate any machinery for 24 hours following the anesthesia experience.
•
Please wear loose fitting clothing with sleeves which can be rolled up past the elbow, and low heeled shoes. Contact lenses, jewelry, and dentures must be removed at the time of surgery.
II. The removal of impacted wisdom teeth and surgical extraction of teeth is quite different from the extraction of erupted teeth. The following conditions may occur, all of which are considered normal:
•
The surgical area will swell.
•
Swelling peaks on the 2nd or 3rd post-operative day.
•
Trismus (stiffness) of the muscles may cause difficulty in opening your mouth for a period of days.
•
You may have a slight earache.
•
A sore throat may develop.
•
Your other teeth may ache temporarily. This is referred pain and is a temporary condition.
•
If the corners of the mouth are stretched out they may dry and crack. Your lips should be kept moist with cream or ointment.
•
There will be a space where the tooth was removed. After 24 hours this area should be rinsed following meals with warm salt water until it is healed. This cavity will gradually fill in with new tissue.
•
There may be a slight elevation of temperature for 24 to 48 hours. If temperature continues, notify us.
•
It is not unusual to develop bruising in the area of an extraction.
•
Please take all prescriptions as directed.
•
Women please note: Some antibiotics may interfere with the effectiveness of your birth control pills. Please check with your pharmacist or physician.
III. Oral Care Following Surgery:
•
Do not rinse or spit for 24 hours after surgery.
•
Keep fingers and tongue away from socket or surgical area.
•
Use ice packs on surgical area (side of face) for first 24 to 48 hours, apply ice 15 minutes on - 10 minutes off.
•
For mild discomfort take Tylenol or Ibuprofen every three to four hours.
•
For severe pain use the prescription given to you.
•
Drink plenty of fluids. (Do not use a straw)
•
If the muscles of the jaw become stiff, massage at intervals will help relax the muscles, as well as the use of warm, moist heat the outside of your face over these muscles.
•
After the first post-operative day, use a warm salt-water rinse following meals for the first week to flush out particles of food and debris which may lodge in the surgical area. (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Mouthwash can be added for better taste.)
•
Diet may consist of soft foods which can be easily chewed and swallowed. No seeds, nuts, rice, popcorn, etc.
•
A certain amount of bleeding is to be expected following surgery. Bleeding is controlled by applying pressure to the surgical area using small rolled gauze for 45 minutes. After that time remove the gauze and then you may eat or drink. If bleeding persists, a moist teabag should be placed in the area of bleeding and bite firmly for one hour straight. This will aid in clotting blood. Repeat if necessary. If bleeding still persists call our office.
•
We suggest that you do not smoke for at least 5 days after surgery. It may break down the blood clot and cause a "Dry-Socket" and also can cause delay in healing.
Feel free to contact us at (281) 484-9400 if any doubt arises as to your progress and recovery.
Come visit us soon
We are devoted to our patients and to the commitment of providing quality patient care on all levels. Call (281) 484-9400 or visit us at any time to learn how we can help you!
