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| normal ozzing may occur for up to 24 hrs or more following surgery and is controlled by firm biting pressure on several gauze pads placed over the tooth socket. Keep gauze packs in mouth until you eat. Replace them after eating and keep them 'til bedtime. If bleeding is brisk and fills the mouth quickly, call the telephone numbers listed imidiately. |
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Swelling and sometimes bruising are common after surgery. The max slelling, pain and jaw stiffness normally occurs 2 or 3 days after surgery.
Apply ice packs for 15 mins ON then 15 OFF 'til bedtime on the day of the surgery. This will keep swelling to a minimum. Also keep your head elevated 'til bedtime. Moist heat after 36 hours may help jaw soreness. |
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The greatest amount of discomfort is in the first 6 to 8 hours after surgery. Never take pain medication on an empty stomach. Take 1 pain tablet immediately after you receive your prescription along w/ a glass of 7-up then another tablet one hr later.
If itching or rash develops, stop taking all meds and contact the office or ER number listed. If a dull pain along w/ an earache increases on the third or fourth day, call office to have it checked. |
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Difficulty in opening the jaws in common after third molar extractions.
Chewing gum at intervals will help w/ muscle soreness along w/ moist heat after 36 hrs. |
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No rinsing or smoking for 24 hours following surgery. The day after surgery, rinse w/ a glass of warm water mixed w/ one teaspoon of salt five times a day for at least one week.
Brush and floss as usual but avoid the surgical sites. THe corners of your mouth may dry and crack so keep them moist w/ vaseline. |
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| it is important to maintain good nutrition following surgery. Eat a lukewarm soft diet the day of the surgery. Do not drink thru a straw. Eat whatever u can the day after surgery but stay away from hard, chewy foods. Drink plenty of fluids. |
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| Infection following surgery is rare but if swelling and discomfort worsens after the 4th day following surgery along w/ a foul taste, fever, and difficulty swalling, contact the office or emergency number immediately. |
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| Tea bags are useful to control bleeding at home. If bleeding seems to e excessive at home, wet a tea bag w/ warm water and place it over the bleeding areas, bite down firmly for one to 2 hours and bleeding should stop. |
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| do NOT eat popcorn, peanuts, nuts, chips, or other small hard food for 6 WEEKS!! |
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