Center For Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 7011 Evans Town Center Blvd Evans GA 30809 (706) 724-8735 - office (800) 635-8735 - toll free
Center For Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 101 Nutgrove Dr. N. Augusta, SC 29841 (803) 278-2050 - office (803) 278-2090 – fax (888) 635-8735 – toll free
Care of your mouth after surgery has an important effect on healing. Swelling, discomfort, and tightness of the jaw muscles are normal body responses to surgery and should not cause alarm.
A gauze pack will be placed after the surgery. It should be left in place, biting with gentle pressure for 45 minutes to one hour. Extra gauze is provided if needed. Slight bleeding or oozing is expected, especially until the blood clot forms. However, if heavy bleeding continues, please call our office. (Remember, though, that a lot of saliva and little blood can look like a lot of bleeding.)
After the extraction a blood clot forms in the tooth socket. This clot is part of the normal healing process. In order not to disturb it, avoid vigorous activities. Limit strenuous activity for 24 hours after the extraction. This will reduce bleeding and help the clot to form. Do not rinse, do not spit (apply gauze to soak excess blood).
Do not smoke or rinse your mouth vigorously, or drink through a straw for 24 hours. These activities create a suction in your mouth, which could dislodge the clot and delay healing. Avoid using a mouthrinse or mouthwash during this early healing period.
The day after the procedure, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water (half a teaspoon of salt in an 8 oz. glass of warm water). Rinsing after meals is important to keep food out of the surgery site, but remember not to rinse your mouth vigorously.
If you received sedation, you will be very sleepy and should rest as much as possible, and someone must remain with you for 24 hours after surgery.
Some discomfort is expected, you may have been given a prescription to aid in control of discomfort or infection. Use only as directed. If the medication prescribed does not seem to work for you, do not increase the dosage. If you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or fever, call our office immediately. We will instruct you on how to care for your problem.
After the procedure you may have some discomfort and notice some swelling. You can help reduce swelling and pain by applying cold compress to the face. An ice bag or cold, moist cloth can be used periodically.
After the procedure, drink lots of liquids and eat soft nutritious foods. Avoid alcoholic beverages and hot liquids. Begin eating solid foods the next day or as soon as you can chew comfortably, For about two days, try to chew food on the side opposite the surgical site. If you are troubled by nausea and vomiting please call our office.
If you have any questions regarding this minor surgery or if you need further assistance please call the office at 706 724-8735.