Post-Treatment Care for a Smooth Recovery
Proper aftercare is essential for a successful recovery after your dental implant or tooth extraction procedure. Following the right post-treatment instructions will help promote healing, reduce discomfort, and prevent complications.
Post Dental Implants Instructions
Bleeding
Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding (your mouth fills rapidly with blood) can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30 minutes. If the bleeding continues profusely, please call for further instructions.
Swelling
Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling, apply an ice bag, plastic bag, or towel filled with ice on the cheek in the area where the surgery took place. Apply the ice continuously, as much as possible, for the first 36 hours.
Diet
Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.
Pain
You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. For moderate pain, one or two tablets of Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every 3-4 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) may be taken instead of Aspirin. Ibuprofen bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 2-3 tablets may be taken four times daily, not to exceed 3200 mg daily for an adult. Consult our practice for individuals under 18. Do not take the two medications at the same time. For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed. Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic to them, or have been instructed by Dr. Schneider not to take it. Do not drive an automobile or work around machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside more and more every day. If pain persists, it may require attention and should call the office.
Post Tooth Extraction Instructions
After an extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop bleeding and begin the healing process. That’s why Dr. Schneider requests that you bite onto a gauze pad for at least 15 to 30 minutes depending on the severity of the extraction. If the bleeding continues after you remove the gauze pad, replace with another one and bite firmly for another 10–15 minutes. This may have to be done several times. After the blood clot forms it is important to protect it especially for the next 48 hours.
Do Not
- ^SMOKE
- ^SUCK THROUGH A STRAW
- ^RINSE YOUR MOUTH VIGOROUSLY
- ^CLEAN THE TEETH NEXT TO THE EXTRACTION SITE
- ^Gently rinse your mouth with an alcohol-free rinse or lukewarm saltwater two to three times a day after the extraction.
- ^Rinse gently after meals to keep food out of the extraction site.
- ^Resume your normal dental routine 48 hours after the extraction. Brushing your teeth, tongue and flossing.
Call the office if you experience heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling after two to three days, or if you experience a reaction to the medication prescribed.
If it is after office hours you may contact Dr. Schneider at 224-622-7216.
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Post Dental Implant Instructions
Post Tooth Extraction Instructions