Bedford: 603.232.5490
Nashua: 603.521.8411

Post-Op Treatment Information

Have Post-Op Treatment Questions?

At Wellspring Dental Group, we’re here to care for your family’s dental health… before, during and after treatment! Scroll through some of our most common post dental treatment recommendations and find out more about what to expect after a tooth extraction or soft tissue procedure.

 

Emergency Services

Our team can even provide emergency dental services if you find yourself in need of urgent dental care.

Soft Tissue Post Op Instructions

for Adults and Children

Feel free to call, text, or email with any questions or concerns.

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Maxillary (Upper) lip release:

Stretch lip upward toward nose 3x/day for 2 weeks. Patient can also run their tongue through the vestibule throughout the day. Warm salt water rinses and anti-inflammatory as needed

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Mandibular (Lower) lip release:

Stretch lip downward toward chin 3x/day for 2 weeks. Patient can run the tongue through the vestibule throughout the day. Warm salt water rinses and anti-inflammatory as needed

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Lingual (Tongue) release:

stretch tip of tongue up and back on palate. Younger children can also lick chocolate syrup, peanut butter, etc from a shot glass to exercise and stretch the wound. Parents/Patient will have to run their finger under the tongue from side to side and also apply downward pressure on the floor of the mouth as the child lifts the tongue up and back onto the palate. 3x/day for 2 weeks. Warm salt water and anti-inflammatory as needed.

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Vitamin E oil:

Vitamin E oil can be rubbed on gingivectomies, fibroma removals, etc. but not frenectomies as this stimulates healing too quickly

Tooth Extraction: Post-Op Instructions

Feel free to call, text, or email with any questions or concerns.

  1. Place an ice pack over your cheek on the side of the extraction for the first 6-8 hours. Leave it on for 15 minutes then off for 15 minutes.  This will help with swelling and any discomfort.
  2. The next 2-3 nights following the extraction sleep with an extra pillow behind your head to help keep swelling minimal.
  3. Hygiene: Brush and floss all your teeth as normal avoiding the teeth around the extraction site.  Do not rinse your mouth with any mouth wash for the first 48 hours.
  4. Do not smoke, spit forcefully or use a straw for the next week. This ensures that the extraction site heals properly.
  5. On the morning following the surgery, rinse the mouth with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt to a glass of warm water). Repeat 3-4 times daily until extraction site is healed.
  6. Keep fingers and tongue away from healing extraction site.
  7. Bleeding: it is normal for the saliva to be blood tinged for about 1-2 days. If abnormal bleeding occurs (anything more than saliva streaked with a little blood) place a moist piece of gauze over the extraction sit and bite down on the gauze for 30 minutes.  If there is no change call the office, for further instructions. (beware you are not biting on your tongue)
  8. Following dental surgery it is normal to experience some discomfort. If medication has been prescribed, take as instructed.
  9. Swelling and stiffness: it is normal and should not be a cause of alarm. After the first 24-48 hours you can switch from cold to heat.  Wet a washcloth with warm water (or use a heating pad on low) and hold over stiff/tight muscles for 15 minutes.  Repeat as needed.
  10. Diet: a liquid or soft diet is advisable during the first 24 hours. Drink plenty of fluids
  11. Dry socket: dry socket usually occurs the 3rd-5th day following the extraction.  It is a dull achy pain that does not go away with pain medication.  If you think you have dry socket give the office a call and we will schedule a time for you to come in.
  12. Return to office if undue symptoms develop.
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