Post-operative Care

The purpose of these instructions is to suggest ways to care of your extraction site/s after surgery.  By following these instructions, you will reduce postoperative pain and swelling and help prevent complications.  The doctor may make additional recommendations for you, depending on your specific circumstances.  If you have any questions, please feel free to ask your doctor.

THINGS TO DO…

1.  Bite down on gauze in your mouth for an hour.  Change the gauze every hour as long as you continue to bleed,

or a minimum of two hours.  You will still see a little blood in your saliva for up to 24 hours; this is normal.

2.  Have something to eat after your surgery.  Begin with soft foods and then regular foods as you begin to heal.

Do not begin chewing until the numbness has worn off.

3.  Take your pain medication, only as instructed, before the numbness wears off.  Take Motrin as directed, and add the narcotic pain reliever (Percocet/Vicodin) as needed every 4-6 hours.  Make sure that you eat first to prevent nausea and vomiting.

4.  Restrict physical activity during the time you are assigned no duty or light duty.  Physical activity during this time will increase pain.

5.  Use an ice pack to help prevent swelling for the first day.  If you lie down, keep your head elevated.

THINGS NOT TO DO…

1.  DO NOT… rinse, spit, or suck through a straw for 24 hours after surgery.

2.  DO NOT… drink carbonated beverages, or rinse with mouthwash for the first two days.

3.  DO NOT… drive for 24 hours after sedation, or while taking narcotic pain medications.

4.  DO NOT… smoke, chew tobacco or drink alcoholic beverages for at least 7 days.

Not following these instructions may result in “dry socket”, increased pain, and a delay n healing.

AFTER 24 HOURS…

1.  Begin brushing your teeth, being gentle and avoiding the surgical areas.

2.  Begin warm salt water or tap water rinses four to six times a day.

If after three days of pain, swelling increases or you start running a fever, please contact us through the follow modes of communication.

Please utilize front desk number and DSN during normal working hours.  After working hours and on weekends contact the provider via civilian email. If we have given you a follow-up appointment, please make sure you keep this appointment.  

Please let us know how we are doing!!  Visit the ICE (Interactive Customer Evaluation) website ice.disa.mil.  Click on USS RONALD REAGAN CVN76  Click on health, then click Dental Clinic.