Post-Treatment Instructions
- Apply an ice pack for the first 2 days to prevent swelling, and moist heat if swelling occurs.
- Keep the extraction site packed with a piece of gauze until the bleeding has stopped-change it approximately every 45 minutes. If there is still excessive bleeding after 3-4 hours, wet a tea bag and bite down on it in place of the gauze.
- If pain pills have been prescribed, or if Tylenol is being used, take a pill before the numbness wears off and then as needed for pain. Finish antibiotics as prescribed.
- If stitches were used, they need to be removed in approximately 7 days. An appointment is needed.
- Avoid smoking for 3 days after the extraction to avoid damage to the socket and delay of the healing process.
- To protect the blood clot until tissue has had time to form over the site, avoid drinking alcoholic and carbonated beverages for 2-3 days. Do not drink beverages through a straw during this time because the pressure can dislodge the clot.
- Soft foods are recommended for the first 24 hours. Progress to other foods when able to chew them.
- If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us at (806) 792-4889.
Temporary Crowns
- Avoid chewing until the numbness from anesthesia has worn off.
- Avoid eating hard or sticky foods and if possible chew on the other side.
- It is normal for gums to be sore for a few days. You may rinse your mouth with a mixture of 1/2 tsp. salt dissolved in 1/2 cup warm water to reduce discomfort. Or, use a rinse called Peridex that is sold in our office.
Call us if your temporary crown comes off. Save the temporary so that we can recement it. It is very important for a correct fit of your permanent crown that your temporary crown stay in place.
Immediate Dentures
- Do not remove your immediate dentures. You will be scheduled for a follow up visit in 24 hours. At that time, Dr. Gregory will remove your denture and examine your tissue.
- Ice packs should be used for the first 48 hours. Alternate the packs from sided to side every 30-40 minutes. Heat needs to be used after the first 48 hours to relieve soreness in the jaw.
- For the first three days, avoid smoking, drinking alcoholic and carbonated beverages, and using tobacco products.
- Rest and eat healthy. Your body is trying to heal. Eat a soft diet for the next few days and cut your food into small pieces. You will go through an adjustment period. You will find that you salivate more. This is normal for a few days. Your speech may be slurred at first.
- One week after the extractions, the sutures will be removed. Eight weeks after the extractions, a denture reline will be needed. The lab will need your dentures for most of the day. Until the denture reline is finished, you will need to use denture adhesive to help stabilize your dentures.
- During this period of adjustment, you may develope sore areas. These usually show up as a reddened area or a white blister-like sore. Until you can be scheduled to allow the doctor to adjust these areas, you can relieve the discomfort by placing Orabase with Benzocaine or Zilactin B in these spots. This medication can be purchased in our office.
- If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call the office at (806) 792-4889