Post-Op Instructions For Tooth Extractions

1. When gauze becomes soggy, replace it with another and apply pressure by biting on it for 30 minutes. Slight oozing and staining of saliva is normal and can be expected for as long as 2-3 days. Moderate bleeding may be controlled by biting tightly on a tea bag that has been wrapped in gauze and moistened slightly with water. If HEAVY bleeding continues, please call our office.
2. Your child’s lip, cheek, and tongue will be numb or “asleep” for about 2-3 hours. During this time make sure your child does not bite, scratch, or pick at these numb areas.
3. After 24 hours, rinse very gently with warm salt water after meals (1/2 teaspoon per cup). Brushing and flossing should be resumed within 24 hours.
4. Restrict diet to liquids (milkshake or smoothie) for the first 3 hours, and then eat soft foods for the rest of the day such as soup, yogurt, Carnation Instant Breakfast, eggs, jello etc. Child should chew on the opposite side of the filling for the first 24 hours.
5. Plain Tylenol or Motrin may be taken every 4 hours as needed for pain.
6. Apply ice packs to face to reduce post operative swelling for the first 3 days. Ice packs should be placed on 15 minutes, off 15 minutes, for 1hour, 3 times a day.
7. With proper home care, complications seldom occur. Call our office if you have any problems.

How To Care For A Chewed Lip, Cheek Or Tongue

1. Apply ice packs for first 3 days. Ice packs should be placed for 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off, for 1 our, 3 times a day.
Clean the wound are with a product such as Glyoxide or Peroxyl 4-5 minutes a day for 3 days.
2. After cleaning the area apply Orabase with benzocaine ointment.
3. Give your child Tylenol or Motrin for pain.
4. All of these products are available over the counter at your drug store.
5. Call us in if the would is not healing in 5-7 days or if it seems infected.