Recovery

PLEASE FIND THE FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS HELPFUL FOR AFTER SURGERY CARE

1. The gauze pad placed over the surgical area should be kept in place with light pressure until bleeding has stopped. If bleeding has stopped, discard the gauze. Replace the gauze if bleeding persists.

2. For the first 24 hours, press an ice pack to the sides of your face where surgery was performed for 20 minutes “on” then 20 minutes “off” to reduce swelling. 50% of pain is caused by swelling. 

3. After 24 hours, you can switch to warm moist heat, applying 5 to 10 minutes every other hour. 

4. One day after surgery, gently rinse with warm salt water before bed (may rinse 4-5 times a day). 

5. You may gently brush your teeth, avoiding areas where surgery was performed. 

6. Stitches are DISSOLVABLE. They will begin to fall out 5-10 days after surgery. 

7. Make sure to eat something FIRST before taking pain medication on an empty stomach to avoid nausea. Antibiotics should be taken as directed and finished completely as prescribed. 

8. A soft food diet is recommended for the first 2-3 days post-surgery (ice cream, cottage cheese, yogurt, soup, jell-o, applesauce, mash potatoes, etc). Avoid peanuts, seeds, popcorn, peas, corn, chips, pretzels, hard meats or rice. 

9. Expect soreness and tenderness after surgery! It may take two-four weeks for a surgical site or sites to fully heal. 

DO NOT DO THE FOLLOWING:

10. Avoid mouth rinses–RINSE WITH SALT WATER ONLY for two weeks following your oral surgery procedure. Rinse gently. 

11.  AVOID alcohol. 

12. DO NOT suck, spit, or touch the surgical area. This may initiate bleeding by causing the blood clot that has formed to become dislodged.

13. DO NOT participate in physical activities such as lifting, pushing, or pulling for at least two weeks.  

14. DO NOT smoke or drink from a straw following your oral surgery procedure for at least two weeks. Smoking or drinking from a straw can cause DRY SOCKET. 

15. DO NOT wait for a follow-up appointment if you are having a difficult time. Call our office for assistance if you have any questions or concerns

PLEASE NOTE:

Pain medication should be taken as soon as possible after surgery. Take antibiotics as prescribed. If you are experiencing minor discomfort you may use Motrin, Advil or Extra strength Tylenol.

CONTACT OUR OFFICE IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING 

*Uncomfortable bleeding (apply moist tea bag to area if bleeding doesn’t stop)

*Throbbing pain (about 3 days after surgery date)

*Elevated temperature over 101 degrees

* Possible allergic reaction to medicine prescribed.

*PLEASE NOTE: Sometimes after having IV sedation, the stomach can become sensitive.