Postoperative Instructions Following Oral Surgery

1. Pain Following Oral Surgery will be most severe within the first 6-8 hours after the operation. Please take pain medication and oral rinse, (Peridex- if prescribed) as discussed with your doctor. (Please note the mouth rinse may stain your teeth but the stain is completely reversible). Please do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking prescription medication. Do not wait for the pain to become unbearable before using some form of pain medication, as then it will be more difficult to control. Moderate to severe pain usually does not last longer than 48 hours. Furthermore, mild discomfort usually diminishes after the third day. Please contact us if you experience prolonged sever pain so that we can help make you more comfortable.

2. Do Not Disturb The Area Of Surgery. Allowing the tissues to rest undisturbed helps the healing process. Avoid vigorous chewing, excessive spitting and rinsing. If you routinely use a Water Pik, avoid doing so during the healing phase as it may cause excessive bleeding, delayed tissue healing and infection.

3. Possible Bleeding. Expect minor bleeding or oozing. If bleeding persists, continue to apply pressure on gauze for an additional 20 minutes to an hour. Biting on a moist teabag wrapped in gauze may help control persistent oozing from the surgical site. Tea contains tannic acid, which helps promote blood clotting. Firm pressure for 15-30 minutes usually controls the problem. If you check too frequently (every few minutes), the blood clot will not form properly and bleeding will continue. Should active bleeding persist, please call the office or the doctor.

4. Limit Physical Activities during the first 24-48 hours after surgery. Over exertion may lead to postoperative bleeding and discomfort. When you lie down, keep your head elevated on a pillow.

5. Swelling Related To The Surgical Procedure may occur following certain types of procedures. An ice pack should be paced on the side of your face, then taken off for 10 minutes and repeated. Do not place ice cubes directly on skin. Anti-inflammatory medications also help decrease swelling.

6. Fluid Intake Is Important. Clear beverages, water, teas, soda, broth, soups or juices are all suitable. Avoid hot liquids until the numbness has worn off and the bleeding has stopped. Drink plenty of fluids.

7. Avoid Using A Straw For Several Days It may dislodge the blood clot and delay healing.

8. Food Selection. Soft, cool foods are most easily tolerated. A nutritious diet is most important to your comfort and well-being. Remember that eating can prevent nausea sometimes associated with certain medications.

DO NOT EAT ANY POPCORN, POPPY SEEDS, SESAME SEEDS OR SEEDED FRUITS. THEY CAN GET STUCK AND CAUSE INFECTION!

9. Take Any Special Medication. We have prescribed on the special dosing schedule. Yoghurt with active culture or acidophilus should be taken while on antibiotics to prevent diarrhea. It is important to take the antibiotics to completion. If you are given antibiotics and take birth control pills, you should be aware that the birth control may become ineffective.

10. Take Any Regularly Scheduled Medication (for diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.) on your regular schedule unless advised to do otherwise.

11. Try To Avoid Smoking Completely> as it tends to delay healing and interfere with regeneration.

THE DAY FOLLOWING SURGERY AND THEREAFTER

On the day following the surgery, rinse your mouth carefully with ½ teaspoon of salt added to a large glass of lukewarm water. Repeat three times a day until remaining soreness subsides. Please do not use a Water Pik during the healing phase.

Do Not Worry About Stiches. They are usually dissolvable. If not, you will be informed by your doctor after your surgery when they will be removed.

Any Swelling, Sorness Or Stiffness In The Jaw Muscles can be relieved by applying a warm, moist towel to the affected side of the face.

Sometimes a soft diet may be necessary for the first few days following surgery. Most patients are able to resume regular food intake within a short time.

Bruising marks may appear on the skin of the face during the first few days after surgery.

Should any undue reaction of complications arise, notify your doctor immediately.