PAIN CONTROL REGIMEN

The following is a regimen of Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy. Most pain can be controlled if it does not have a chance to become intense.

Along with your antibiotic, this sequence can be used to control your pain with common NSAID over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. If your inflammation is severe, it may require that you take this regimen several hours before you see significant results.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICATION IF YOU HAVE ANY LIVER PROBLEMS OR IF YOU DO NOT KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY LIVER PROBLEMS. PLEASE SCHEDULE AN EXAM WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN PRIOR TO TAKING THESE DRUGS IN THIS MANNER.

600-800 mg of Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)

Wait 3 hours

1 Norco/Hydrocodone or Extra Strength Tylenol (500 mg Acetaminophen)

Wait 3 hours

600-800 mg of Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)

Wait 3 hours

1 Norco/Hydrocodone or Extra Strength Tylenol (500 mg Acetaminophen)

Wait 3 hours

Repeat as needed.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS AFTER EXTRACTIONS

Comfort:

You may be given a narcotic (e.g. Vicodin, Tylenol #3), in addition to the use of a non – narcotic pain medication (Ibuprofen or Tylenol). Take your pain medication as directed following completion of the surgery. DO NOT WAIT for the discomfort to become severe before taking the medication. NEVER take pain medication on an empty stomach. DO NOT attempt to drive or work with dangerous machinery while taking pain medication.

Antibiotics:

If antibiotics were prescribed, they should be taken at the same time as the pain medication to prevent nausea from occurring. It is very important to take the antibiotics until they are finished, as directed on the bottle. If you experience any side effects such as itching or redness, please discontinue the medication and contact the office. For women: If antibiotics are prescribed, they may interfere with the efficacy of birth control pills and an alternative method of birth control should be utilized for the duration of the antibiotic usage and throughout the present menstrual cycle.

Swelling:

Some swelling usually will occur. If this happens, it will be greatest the first 48 to 72 hours following surgery. To minimize swelling use ice packs – 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off the area(s) of the face corresponding to the surgical site (do not place ice packs directly on skin). It is important that this be done for the first day. After 24-48 hours, switch to moist heat.

Bleeding:

Keep the gauze pad in place for at least thirty minutes, using light but firm biting pressure to control bleeding. Do not spit or rinse mouth during the first day (this will disturb the clot). Blood-tinged saliva is not unusual and may persist for several hours. However, if bleeding persists, fold a piece of clean gauze into a pad thick enough to bite on and dampen the pad with clean, warm water (otherwise the clot will stick to the dry gauze pack). A moist regular tea bag or moist wash towel can also be used for this purpose. Keep your head elevated for at least 15 minutes before re-examining the area. Do not try to stop the bleeding by rinsing. If bleeding persists, please call the office.

Activity:

Try to rest and keep talking to a minimum, avoiding strenuous activity or exercise for at least 3 days after the procedure. Be kind to yourself and allow your body to heal.

Sutures:

If a part of a suture starts to come out, please do not pull it out. You may cut the piece shorter if needed.

Oral Hygiene:

The day after surgery, begin gently rinsing twice a day with the prescribed rinse. Gentle, warm, salt water rinses are also strongly recommended. Brush and floss teeth not involved in the surgery starting the day after the procedure. Note: Please discontinue the use of any mechanical hygiene aid (brushing or flossing, etc) for 2 weeks post surgically at the surgical area.

Diet:

The importance of a nutritious diet cannot be over-stressed during the healing period. A patient who eats good soft foods feels better, remains comfortable and heals faster. A hungry person becomes irritable and nervous. It has been scientifically shown that a person in this state is more susceptible to pain.

Avoid eating on the treated side, if possible. A softer diet is recommended during the first two days. Do not eat hard foods or anything too hot for the first two days. Milk shakes, Instant Breakfast, Ensure, fruit juices, and warm soups are recommended for the initial meals.

Soft foods can be eaten until you feel ready to go back to your regular diet. The following require little pressure to chew and provide necessary nutrients: eggs, cottage cheese, ground meat, bananas, cooked fish, cereals, and whole wheat bread. Vitamin C aid healing, therefore fresh juice is excellent. You should continue your usual vitamin supplements. Please refrain from consuming alcohol during the first week after surgery. Please do not drink from a straw for at least one week post surgically.

Smoking:

Smoking compromises healing. It is therefore recommended that you refrain from smoking for the next three weeks to promote quicker healing of the extraction site. This is especially true if a bone graft has been performed.

Fever:

A slight fever or chills may occur. It is of no consequence unless it persists more than 24 hours. If a fever persists more than 24 hours or if the fever is above 102 degrees, please contact our office. This is a rare occurrence and should not be expected.

Anesthetics:

The length of time you experience numbness varies, depending on the type and amount of anesthetic you’ve received and the areas that were anesthetized. While your mouth is numb, you will want to be careful not to bite your cheek, lip, or tongue. The numbness should subside within a few hours. If it doesn’t, contact our office.

Future Appointments:

You may need to be seen for a follow up. Please keep appointments as scheduled.

We find that most patients are somewhat apprehensive about their upcoming surgical appointment. Nearly everyone, however, finds the experience much easier than they had imagined. We want you to know that our entire staff is committed to making your experience as easy and pleasant as possible. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us.