Post-Op Instructions

Following a dental surgery, such as a tooth extraction, it is essential to follow post-op instructions from your dentist to help promote healing, prevent complications, and make you as comfortable as possible. Keep reading to learn what you should do, what you should avoid, what you can eat, and when you should contact your dentist during the first few days following your surgery.

What should you do?

Post-op, make sure to do the following:

• Take your prescribed painkillers
• Prop up your head on pillows to minimize bleeding
• Hold an ice pack to your cheek or apply moist heat for 2 to 3 days
• Bite gently on gauze pads and change them as they soak up blood
• Lightly rinse your mouth with warm salt water to relieve pain
• Make sure to relax

What should you avoid?

Here are a few things you should avoid 72-hours post-op to minimize complications:

• Avoid drinking from straws
• Avoid smoking
• Avoid strenuous activity

What can you eat?

Following your surgery, try to eat soft foods, such as pudding, yogurt, ice cream, soup, or applesauce. You can begin gradually adding solid food into your diet as your mouth heals.

When should you contact your dentist?

Make sure to immediately contact your dentist if you experience:

• Excessive bleeding
• Persistent nausea for more than 24-hours
• Severe and uncontrolled pain
• Development of a rash, itching, or wheezing
• High temperature

If you are experiencing any post-op complications or are looking for more post-op instructions, please do not hesitate to contact our experienced team at Everybody Smiles. We look forward to giving you a reason to smile!