1. Do not drink or eat until two hours after the surgery.

2. Avoid tart or spicy foods.

3. Do not drink fruit juices with a straw.

4. In some cases, a dressing will be placed over the area. The dressing serves as a protection of the area of surgery and to keep you comfortable. If small pieces break off, do not be alarmed. If a large piece falls off, or if the dressing is uncomfortable, please contact the office.

5. Some swelling may occur. This is to be expected. Place a cold ice pack over the area that has undergone surgery, and rinse frequently and gently with warm water (one glass) with one teaspoon of salt.

6. A slight amount of seepage may occur, giving your saliva a red color. Do not be alarmed. If the seepage persists – call the doctor.

7. For post-operative comfort, take pills according to instructions in the prescription given to you. Take antibiotics only if they are prescribed.

8. Brush those parts of your mouth on which surgery was not performed. Brush only the biting surfaces of the teeth where surgery was performed. Be sure to brush! When no dressing is placed, brush and use floss, but do not carry the floss under the gum line.

9. Rinse mouth carefully after eating. Clean outside of dressing with moistened cotton swabs or Q-tips.

10. Avoid smoking for the next 24 hours.

11. Please contact the office if you have any questions.