At Hamilton Dental Care, we want to provide you with the most comfortable dental experience possible, even after you have left the office. Dr. Swetha Reddy Pakanati has provided instructions for the best home care practices after your tooth extraction. If our dentist has recommended a tooth extraction, please read through the following steps to ensure you are prepared for a quick and healthy healing process post-surgery.
Brushing
You may resume brushing your teeth with a soft toothbrush the day after surgery, but do not brush in the surgical area. After brushing, gently clean any stitches with a Q-tip dipped in hydrogen peroxide (50% peroxide and 50% water).
Stitches
Your stitches (if you have them) usually dissolve on their own within one or two weeks. You will be advised if you have stitches that have to be removed.
Swelling
Some degree of swelling may accompany all oral and maxillofacial surgery procedures. This is part of the healing process. Swelling may begin to appear within hours following the surgical procedure and progress for the next 24 to 48 hours, after which it will begin to diminish slowly. Your doctor may elect to give you medication to inhibit this swelling somewhat. Additionally, you may notice that about 72 hours after your surgery, the anti-swelling medicine you were given will wear off and some rebound swelling may occur. This is normal.
Discomfort
Some discomfort may be expected for approximately one week following the surgery. After this time, the discomfort should have subsided. Medication you were given will aid in alleviating this discomfort. Discomfort increasing in intensity after the third or fourth day might indicate alveolar osteitis (a dry socket). If this occurs, please notify our office so that Dr. Swetha Reddy Pakanati may examine you.
Stiffness
Stiffness of the jaws can also be a normal outcome of oral surgery. This usually subsides by approximately the fifth or sixth day. Jaw exercise may be initiated at this time to alleviate stiffness.
Fever
There may be a slight temperature elevation for 24 to 48 hours. If this continues, please notify our office.
Bruises
Bruises occasionally occur on the face as a result of blood pigment in the tissues. This may appear first as swelling and then, two to three days later, by discoloring of the face. It will gradually disappear.
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Sore Throat
A slight earache or sore throat may develop.
Chaffing
The corner of the mouth may become chaffed and temporary cracking may appear as a result of retraction during surgery.
Allergic Reaction
If you notice you are developing hives, rashes, itching, or difficulty with breathing or swallowing after you have taken your medication, stop taking medications and contact our office at 609-581-4322 immediately.
If extraordinary symptoms develop, such as profuse bleeding or bodily illness, contact Hamilton Dental Care at once.
If you have any questions or concerns following your tooth extraction, please reach out to our dentist, Dr. Swetha Reddy Pakanati, and our team. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have and walk you through the healing process. Call our office for more information.