SMOKING
Do not smoke for at least 24 hours following surgery. Smoking may contribute to post surgery infection, bleeding, and dry socket.
BLEEDING
A certain amount of bleeding is to be expected after surgery, if bleeding continues or is excessive, remove all blood clots from the mouth with a damp washcloth. Place a tight ball of gauze or a moist tea bag over the bleeding area and apply firm pressure by biting the teeth together for 45 minutes. Apply ice to the side of your face and rest with your head elevated on pillows. Repeat this as necessary until the blood clot forms and the bleeding stops.
PAIN
There is discomfort associated with any surgical procedure. For mild discomfort, take Tylenol or Ibuprofen every 4 to 6 hours (follow directions on bottle). For severe pain, use the prescription given to you. It is best to take the pain medicine prior to the disappearance of local anesthesia (numbness).
SWELLING
There is swelling associated with any surgical procedures. Some people swell more than others and some surgical procedures cause more swelling than others. Swelling usually peaks after 48 hours and will last 5 to 7 days. Applying ice packs to the face over the area of surgery for 24 to 48 hours immediately following surgery may prevent swelling. Apply the ice 20 minutes “on” and 20 minutes “off”. Crushed ice in a ziploc baggie wrapped in a towel works well.
BRUISING
There is often bruising or discoloration of the skin associated with surgical procedures. Some people discolor more than others and some surgical procedures cause more discoloration than others. Discoloration usually lasts 7-14 days.
STIFFINESS
You may experience muscle stiffness and limited opening of your jaws for several days. This will resolve with exercise of the jaw muscles. Exercise the jaw muscles by chewing sugar-free bubble gum beginning 3 days after your surgery.
REST
Do not over-exert yourself for 48 hours after your surgery. Avoid strenuous activity for 3 days.
MOUTH CARE
You may brush your teeth and rinse orally beginning 24 hours after surgery. If you have been given a prescription for Periogard OraI Rinse, rinse with it for 1 week after surgery. You may also rinse with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon table salt in 8 oz. of warm water) several times a day, for 7 to 10 days.
DIET
A nutritionally balanced diet is essential for gaining strength and rapid healing. Your diet should consist of soft foods that do not require chewing, but instead are just spooned and swallowed, for 72 hours following surgery. You should advance your diet to normal food as tolerated as soon as possible after surgery. Drink an abundance of water. Do not use straws for 24 hours. Try not to miss a single meal. You will feel better, have more strength, have less discomfort, and heal faster if you continue to eat.
NAUSEA
Occasionally nausea will occur after surgery. In the event of nausea, do not take anything by mouth for at least one hour including prescribed medicine. You should sip on Coke, ginger ale, or tea slowly over a 15 minute period. When your nausea subsides, you can begin taking solid foods and prescribed medicine again. If nausea continues, call our office immediately.
FEVER
There usually is a slight elevation of temperature for 24-48 hours after oral surgery. If fever persists above 101.5º F under your tongue, call our office immediately.
ANTIBIOTICS
If you have been given a prescription for an antibiotic, have it filled immediately and take as directed until all gone, unless otherwise directed. Discontinue antibiotic use in the event of a rash or other unfavorable reaction.
If you have any questions, please call our office. Follow up care and post operative appointments are provided at no additional charge.