Can i use chlorhexidine gluconate 0.12 oral rinse after tooth extraction

Firm Gauze Pressure for 2 Hours: Firm gauze pressure stops bleeding. Bite down firmly and do not talk during this time. Relax sitting upright in a comfortable chair watching TV. If still bleeding after 2 hours, stack and fold 3 fresh gauze and apply to the wound for 1 hour at a time until bleeding stops.

Apply Cold Packs to Face: Apply bags of ice or frozen peas to each side of face. Hold bags in place with an ACE wrap, scarf, or towel. Alternate cold packs 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off for the first 48 hours. Keep head elevated on a recliner or couch while sleeping for the first 7 days to minimize swelling.

Elevate Head for the First 7 Days: Keep head elevated on a recliner or couch while sleeping for the first 7 days to minimize swelling. Do not lay flat on a bed for the first 7 days, as increased facial swelling will occur.

No Smoking: Do not smoke for at least the first 7 days. Smoking slows healing and increases the risk of infection and severe dry socket pain.

No Spitting: Do not spit for the first 7 days. Spitting can dislodge a blood clot, triggering bleeding and severe dry socket pain. If you feel like you need to spit, gently rinse water in your mouth and then let the water passively fall into the sink.

No Straws: Avoid straws for 7 days. Using a straw can dislodge a blood clot, triggering bleeding and severe dry socket pain. Eat smoothies and milkshakes with a spoon, or drink from a cup.

Diet: Day 1 – Cool, soft foods (i.e. ice cream, yogurt, smoothies, milkshakes – use a spoon, no straws). Days 2 to 7 – Soft, room temperature food (i.e. pasta, scrambled eggs, red beans, rice, mashed potatoes). Avoid hot and spicy foods. Make sure soup has been cooled to room temperature.

Medication: Take all medications with food to help prevent nausea. Use medications as directed by prescriptions. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery after IV sedation, or if you are taking narcotic medications (i.e. codeine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, tramadol) or nausea medication (promethazine), as they impair judgement and cause drowsiness.

Rinsing: Begin gentle rinsing on Day 2 after each meal. You may be prescribed Peridex (Chlorhexidine), or you may use over-the-counter alcohol-free mouthrinse or water. Rinsing keeps the mouth clean and decreases the risk of infection. Do not spit. Instead, gently rinse and then let the rinse passively fall into the sink.

Oral Hygiene: Use a soft bristle toothbrush (avoid electric toothbrush) to brush teeth normally, and brush delicately around the surgical site. Gently rinse with prescribed Peridex (Chlorhexidine) or over-the- counter alcohol-free mouthrinse or water, as directed by Dr. Jackson.

Activity: Frequent rest is important after surgery. Do not exercise for 1 week after surgery, as exercise can cause painful throbbing or bleeding at the surgical site.

Swelling: For the first 4-5 days after surgery, it is normal for you to experience swelling, pain, and even bruising, which then gradually disappear.

However, if you develop worsening pain, swelling, or fever, or have any other questions, please call Dr. Jackson: (504) 455-7161.

The first 2 weeks after surgery are very important. Healing of the bone around the implants takes 3–6 months.

Diet

A soft, mild, and nutritionally balanced diet should be consumed for 2–4 days (or longer if necessary) after your surgery. You should chew food on the opposite side of where the implant was placed for 2 weeks (if possible). As the tissue around the implant heals, you can return to your normal eating routine.

Swelling

Swelling from oral surgery is normal and reaches its maximum in 48 hours. Keeping the head elevated with 2 pillows when lying down can minimize facial swelling. Swelling can also be minimized by applying cold compresses to your face (30 minutes on, 30 minutes off) for the first 48 hours. After 48 hours, warm compresses will help reduce the swelling. These should be continued (30 minutes on, 30 minutes off) until the swelling has subsided.

Rinsing

Avoid rinsing the mouth for 24 hours after surgery. It may disturb the clot. If you have been given a prescription for chlorhexidine gluconate (Peridex™), saturate a gauze pad and place over the surgical site for 1 minute, twice daily, for 7–10 days.

Brushing

If an implant protrudes through the gums, the metal must be kept clean. Use a cotton-tipped applicator or soft toothbrush and gently clean the implant and adjacent tooth surfaces. Be careful around the sutures.

Denture or Flipper

On the day of your surgery, you will be given specific instructions regarding when you should wear your denture or flipper. Possible options may include:

  • Leave denture or flipper out of your mouth until you are instructed to wear it. It must be realigned before wearing it.
  • Leave your denture or flipper in place for 48 hours then remove it. Wear the denture only as instructed by your doctor.
  • Wear your denture or flipper as instructed.

General precautions include:

  • If any sores or swelling develop around or under your denture, leave them out of your mouth and call the office.
  • If you cannot place your dentures back in your mouth, leave them out and call the office.

Bruising

Sometimes bruising may occur 24 or 48 hours after surgery has been performed. Application of warm compresses to the involved area (30 minutes on, 30 minutes off) will expedite the healing process.

Bleeding

If you experience heavy bleeding, it usually means that the gauze pads are being clenched between your teeth rather than pressing on the surgical area. Try repositioning fresh pads so that pressure is directly on the surgical area, and your remaining teeth are kept apart slightly by the pad.

Pain

Unfortunately, most oral surgery procedures are accompanied by some degree of discomfort. There are many good strategies to get you through the process, though. Some form of pain reliever should be taken before the numbness goes away. Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®), acetaminophen (Tylenol®), or aspirin are adequate if there are no allergies, they have been tolerated in the past, and they do not interfere with any other medications. For more involved procedures, a prescribed narcotic can be taken. The narcotic can also be alternated or taken in addition to ibuprofen if there are no allergies and has been tolerated in the past. Taking your medications with food will decrease the chance of nausea. Remember, narcotic pain medications will impair your judgment and reflexes, so driving and operating heavy machinery is to be avoided.

Antibiotics

You may be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infections. If so, take all of the medication as directed. If you experience any adverse reactions, such as nausea, rash, or itching, discontinue the medication. A rash or itching may indicate an allergic reaction to a medication. Antihistamines (Benadryl®) will usually counteract the hives, rash, and itching. Swelling of the lips or tongue or difficulty breathing may represent a more severe allergic reaction, and you should seek medical attention immediately.

Infection

Although antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent an infection, a wound infection may occur a day or several days after surgery. You may be suspicious of an infection if there is a sudden increase in swelling, throbbing pain, or a foul-tasting drainage from the wound. If you suspect infection, call the office as soon as possible.

Smoking and Alcohol

Tobacco and alcohol should be eliminated during the first 2 weeks after surgery.

How soon after tooth extraction can I use chlorhexidine?

Good oral hygiene is essential for proper healing. The night of surgery, use the prescribed chlorhexidine oral rinse before bed. The day after surgery, the chlorhexidine rinse should be used twice daily, after breakfast and before bed. Be sure to rinse for at least 60 seconds before spitting out the rinse.

Can I use medicated mouthwash after tooth extraction?

No, it is not safe to used mouthwash after a tooth extraction because it can cause the blood clot to dislodge. The golden rule is to avoid all mouthwash for at least 24 hours after the extraction. Instead, you can swish around warm salt water in your mouth to keep things clean. This can be done 4 times a day.

What type of mouthwash is best after tooth extraction?

Use an antiseptic mouth rinse, like Listerine, (chlorhexidine or Peridex™, if prescribed) beginning the evening of the procedure. This will help with bad taste or odor of your healing mouth. The day after surgery you should rinse with Listerine 5 to 10 times a day especially after eating.

When should you not use chlorhexidine gluconate?

Do not give this medication to a child or teenager without a doctor's advice. This medicine may cause severe irritation or chemical burns in young children. Chlorhexidine gluconate is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby.