Dr. Annissa Michael will provide detailed post-op instructions following oral surgery procedures, such as bone grafting or tooth extractions. These instructions are designed to help you recover and return to normal life as quickly as possible, and we recommend that you follow them exactly.

Bone Grafting Post-Op Instructions

In addition to the general post-operative guidelines, specific care is necessary for bone graft procedures. These instructions include:

  • Dietary Considerations: Consume a soft, mild, and nutritionally balanced diet for 2-4 days post-surgery. As healing progresses, return to your normal eating routine.
  • Swelling Management: Elevate your head with two pillows when lying down to minimize facial swelling. Apply cold compresses to the face for the first 48 hours, followed by warm compresses thereafter, each for 30 minutes on and off, until swelling diminishes.
  • Rinsing and Oral Hygiene: Refrain from vigorous rinsing or spitting for 3-5 days to stabilize the blood clot. After the first day, softly brush adjacent teeth without disturbing the graft site. Avoid pressure on the grafted area with your tongue or fingers and refrain from lifting or pulling the lip to view sutures.
  • Bruising Management: If bruising occurs, apply warm compresses (30 minutes on, 30 minutes off) to expedite healing.
  • Addressing Bleeding: Reposition gauze pads if heavy bleeding occurs, ensuring pressure is directly on the surgical area without clenching between teeth.
  • Pain Relief: Take pain relievers before numbness subsides, utilizing over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. For more severe pain, a prescribed narcotic may be necessary.
  • Antibiotics: If prescribed, take antibiotics as directed. Discontinue if any adverse reactions occur and seek medical attention for severe reactions.
  • Infection Awareness: Monitor for signs of infection such as increased swelling, throbbing pain, or foul-tasting drainage. Contact the office if infection is suspected.
  • Smoking and Alcohol Abstinence: Avoid tobacco and alcohol for the first two weeks after surgery.

Please contact our office if you have any concerns or questions.

Tooth Extraction Post-Op Instructions 

After tooth extractions:

  • Avoid Rinsing Today: Refrain from rinsing your mouth today. Tomorrow, gently rinse every 3-4 hours, particularly after meals, with warm salt water.
  • Managing Bleeding: Some bleeding is normal after extractions. To control bleeding, place a damp piece of gauze or a damp tea bag on the extraction site and apply moderate pressure hourly. If excessive bleeding persists after 12 hours, contact our office immediately.
  • Addressing Swelling: Swelling and bruising may occur following extractions, typically subsiding in 3-5 days. Use ice packs or frozen vegetables wrapped in a cloth to reduce swelling. If swelling is excessive or prolonged, contact our office promptly.
  • Managing Pain: For mild to moderate pain, take anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or Tylenol.
  • Dietary Recommendations: Stick to a soft diet for the first 24-48 hours, including foods like yogurt, scrambled eggs and soups. Avoid drinking through a straw.
  • Smoking Cessation: Refrain from smoking to prevent painful dry socket formation.
  • Optimal Care: Following these instructions will promote quicker recovery and minimize complications.

Schedule An Appointment

Adhering to post-op instructions helps optimize your recover and minimizes your risk of post-treatment complications. Reach out to us at 303-666-8820 if you have any questions or to schedule a follow-up appointment with our dentist in Louisville, Colorado.