740 Garden View Court Ste 215 Encinitas, California 92024-2474
Post Operative Instructions
Oral Sedation
While taking prescribed medication for oral sedation, do not drive for 24 hours, operate any machinery or make any business/financial decisions. A responsible person must be with you to provide care for 24 hours following your appointment. During your appointment, family and friends are not allowed in the operatory room. Please do not use a cell phone or text/email during your appointment due to the medications used for sedation and patient privacy. Please wear a loose fitting shirt due to placing monitors on the arms and hands. Please remove nail polish. During your appointment, if you need to use the restroom, an assistant (female patients) or Dr. McElroy (male patients) may need to assist you due to the medications.
Bleeding
For the first day of you surgery, gauze pads (2) should remain in place and over each extraction site. Apply firm pressure in order to control oozing. If oozing persists, continue using moistened gauze and checking gauze every 20 minutes. If you do not have any gauze, moisten a plain tea bag and place it over the area of the extraction site. Bite down with firm pressure and check every 20 minutes until the oozing subsides. Minor oozing may occur after the first 24 hours, continue using gauze or tea bags as needed. Remove the gauze when eating or drinking. While using gauze pads, talking should be kept to a minimal. Do not smoke for up to three days, smoking may impair healing and will cause additional pain.
Swelling
An ice pack will be provided after your surgery. Apply ice to the outside cheek area of the extraction site. Alternate sides, 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off for the first day. A bag with ice or a bag of frozen peas can be used. DO NOT USE ICE AFTER 24 HOURS. On the second day following surgery, begin using moist heat or a heating pad to help reduce swelling and jaw stiffness, heat should alternate sides, 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. You can continue to use any type of heat during the week of recovery. This will help with any stiffness in the jaw muscles.
Oral Hygiene
Do not rinse or gargle and avoid spitting for the first 24 hours. Rinsing may dislodge the blood clot and may delay healing. On the second day, begin rinsing with warm salt water (8 oz glass of warm water and a teaspoon of salt). It is important to keep your mouth clean and brush your teeth and tongue regularly. Be careful not to brush over the extraction sites.
Exercise
Avoid any exercise for the first 4 days after your surgery. We recommend getting plenty of rest and keeping your head elevated using one or two pillows when lying down, do not lay flat. Do not go swimming or get in ocean water for one week.
Diet
You can eat a very light meal and a small amount of liquids prior to your appointment avoiding alcohol and caffeine. After your surgery, we recommend a soft food diet for the first 2-3 days, foods such as soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes, blended foods and plenty of clear fluids. In order to avoid a possible dry socket, DO NOT DRINK THROUGH A STRAW OR SMOKE. Do not eat or drink grapefruit prior to surgery.
RX
Take all medications according to the instructions on the label. Please notify the office if you are taking any antibiotics, anti-depressants or St. Johns Wort prior to your appointment. If any problems should occur or you have any questions regarding your dental health, please do not hesitate to call our office at (760) 479-9898. For a dental emergency after hours, please call Dr. McElroy at (760) 505-9343.
Reserve Your Appointment Today
For compassionate, comprehensive dentistry, families from Encinitas, San Marcos, Escondido, and surrounding communities rely on Dr. Greg McElroy and our professional team. Call 760-479-9898 today to reserve your consultation, checkup, or second-opinion visit in our state-of-the-art Encinitas dental office. We promise, as our patient, you’ll leave with a beautiful smile.