BLEEDING

Before your child was discharged, we ensured that bleeding was under control. However, some occasional oozing (pink or blood-tinged saliva) might occur for the next couple of days. Apply firm pressure to the surgical site with gauze until the oozing stops. You may need to change the gauze or repeat this step until the majority of bleeding ceases. If prolonged bleeding continues for more than 2 hours, please contact us.

SURGICAL SITE CARE

Today, avoid disturbing the surgical site. Don't stretch the lips or cheeks to view the area, rinse vigorously, use mouthwash, or probe the area with fingers or other objects. Starting tomorrow, you can rinse with warm salt water (½ teaspoon salt in 1 cup water) after meals. Refrain from using straws or spitting for 7 days.

DAILY ACTIVITIES

Today, avoid physical exercise and exertion. Gradually return to normal activities as tolerated.

DIET

Once bleeding has stopped, your child can drink cool, non-carbonated liquids but should NOT use a straw. Encourage fluid intake to prevent dehydration. Cold soft foods (e.g., ice cream, Jello, oatmeal, pudding, yogurt) are ideal for the first day. By the second day, food consistency can progress as tolerated. Until healing is more established, avoid foods like nuts, chips, and popcorn that may get lodged in the surgical areas.

ORAL HYGIENE

Maintaining a clean mouth is crucial. Today, your child can brush and floss gently, but avoid stimulating the surgical site. Soreness and swelling may limit vigorous brushing in some areas, but make every effort to clean teeth within comfort boundaries.

PAIN

As some discomfort is expected, you may give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) before the numbness wears off. Do NOT give aspirin to your child. Follow the bottle's instructions for dosing based on your child's age/weight. If pain isn't relieved by one of these medications, please contact us.

WATCH OUT FOR:

• Swelling: Mild swelling and inflammation may occur over the next 2 days. If swelling happens, use ice packs for the first 24 hours (10 minutes on, then 10 minutes off) to reduce swelling and/or bruising. If swelling persists after 24 hours, warm/moist compresses (10 minutes on, then 10 minutes off) may help. If swelling occurs after 48 hours, call our office.

• Fever: A low-grade fever (temperature up to 100.5°F) is not uncommon during the first 48 hours after surgery. If a higher fever develops or the fever persists, call our office.

• Dry Socket: If the blood clot dissolves prematurely or is lost following the removal of a permanent tooth, a "dry socket" may result. This usually occurs between the 3rd and 5th day after the extraction and is accompanied by persistent throbbing pain in the jaw. Contact our office if this happens.