Dr. Keith Kreuger

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Bend, OR

541-617-3993

Surgical Instructions

After Extractions

1. A gauze pack has been placed over the extraction site. Hold this in place with gentle biting pressure. The gauze pack should be changed every 30 minutes for the next 2 hours thereafter. Slight bleeding on / off for up to 24 hours following an extraction is normal.

2. Avoid rinsing for 24 hours.

3. Avoid strong physical exertion for 48 hours. Do not smoke for 72 hours; smoking increases the risk of complications after extractions.

4. An ice pack placed over your cheek or jaw where the extraction was done may reduce swelling. As soon as possible, put the ice pack over the area for 20 minutes, then remove for 20 minutes, and repeat. Continue this for 2 days post-operatively to help reduce the amount of swelling.

5. Eat soft or liquid foods on the day of your extraction. Ice cream, jello, milkshakes, etc., are nutritional and soothing, and cool carbonated soft drinks may help to settle your stomach.

6. If you have been given a pain prescription, it is best to take it with milk or food. Some pain medications may cause nausea or vomiting if taken on a totally empty stomach. Avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery while taking narcotic pain medicine.

7. Beginning the day after surgery, you can promote healing by rinsing your mouth 3 - 4 times per day with warm salt water rinses. Apply heat to any areas of swelling present after the second postoperative day.

8. Some swelling is normal. If the area becomes severely swollen after several days, or if you develop a temperature, please call our office. If sutures (stitches) have been placed, they are of the dissolving type and will come loose over the first week.

9. In the event of an emergency during office hours, call our office at 617-3993. After hours the answering service will answer the office phone and your call will be returned as soon as possible. Please attempt to call for prescription refills during normal business hours. If you cannot reach me and feel you have an emergency that cannot wait, please call 382-4321 or go to the emergency room at St. Charles Medical Center.