Postoperative Instructions for Extractions/Oral Surgery flashcards

Written, individualized instructions should be provided and caregiver understanding checked.

First day

• Protect numb lips, cheeks, and tongue.
• Use firm gauze pressure for oozing.
• Avoid wound manipulation, vigorous rinsing, spitting, and straws.
• Encourage cool fluids and soft foods once bleeding stops.

Ongoing care

• Explain gentle hygiene, next-day salt-water rinses, prescriptions, suture care, follow-up, and office/after-hours contacts.
• If alternating acetaminophen and ibuprofen, write out the schedule while preserving each drug's dosing interval and daily maximum.

Emergency escalation

• Breathing or swallowing difficulty, rapidly spreading swelling, or marked systemic illness warrants immediate assessment.
• Do not wait for the handout's routine time thresholds.

Call thresholds in this handout

• Bleeding beyond two hours.
• Uncontrolled pain.
• Swelling after 48 hours.
• Fever above 100.5°F or persistent fever.
• Sutures lost within 48 hours.
• Throbbing pain suggesting dry socket on days 3–5.