Please read these instructions carefully, as they will help you understand the normal body reactions following surgery and assist in keeping you as comfortable as possible. Surgery of the mouth requires careful attention to post-operative instructions.
Pain
You may experience discomfort, especially during the first 12 to 24 hours. Take the medications prescribed as indicated on the prescription. The initial dose may take up to 45 minutes to become effective. Take 1 or 2 pills every 3–4 hours as needed. For mild discomfort, you may only need Advil, Tylenol, etc. When taking these pills, be sure to drink liquids to help prevent an upset stomach. If you develop a rash or hives, stop all medications and call the office. The prescription may not fully control all of your pain during the first few days after surgery.
CAUTION: The prescription may cause drowsiness. Do not drive or operate mechanical equipment after taking pain medication.
Bleeding
It is normal to have some bleeding, pink or red saliva, or clot formation during the first 24 hours. Do not be alarmed. Maintain the gauze packing for 1 hour with firm biting pressure. Keep your head elevated while sleeping or lying down. Do not disturb the wound with your fingers or by sucking on it. Avoid rinsing or spitting on the day of surgery, as this may cause additional bleeding.
If bleeding is excessive, place a thumb-sized roll of sterile gauze or a moistened tea bag over the wound and bite firmly for 1 hour with constant pressure. If excessive bleeding persists for more than a few hours, call the office for further instructions.
Swelling
Some swelling is expected and may be significant. It is not unusual for swelling to peak 3–4 days after surgery and then slowly subside. Apply ice packs during the first 24 hours — 1 hour on and 1 hour off. After 24 hours, if swelling persists, use warm, moist packs for 20 minutes every hour.
Oral Hygiene
Do not rinse or brush your teeth on the day of the surgery. Starting the day after surgery, rinse gently every 1 or 2 hours with a solution of warm salt water (½ teaspoon of salt in a large glass of warm water). You should brush your teeth, but be careful around the surgical site. Avoid using mouthwash.
Smoking
DO NOT SMOKE after your procedure. Smoking is detrimental to wound healing.
Physical Activities
Avoid fatigue and keep physical activity to a minimum after surgery.
Diet
A soft, non-chewy diet avoiding hot liquids is advised on the day of surgery. Resume your normal diet as soon as possible, and drink plenty of liquids. If you are diabetic, maintain your caloric intake and take your medications as usual. If diarrhea occurs, call the office.
Nausea
A small amount of carbonated 7-Up or ginger ale every hour for 5–6 hours will usually help relieve nausea. Follow this with weak tea or clear broth. Avoid juices and dairy products. If nausea persists, call the office.
Care of the IV Site
If intravenous anesthesia was used, keep the injection site clean. Avoid strenuous or repetitive activity for 48 to 72 hours. Notify us immediately if you experience unusual soreness, pain, or swelling around the injection site.
Immediate Dentures
If dentures were placed, do not remove them. They will be removed by the doctor or your general dentist at a future appointment.
Other Medications
Continue other medications you were taking routinely before your treatment (unless otherwise directed). If antibiotics have been prescribed, please continue and complete the entire course.
Warning: Antibiotics may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
You May Experience:
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Swelling around the surgical site
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Stiffness causing difficulty in opening the mouth
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A slight earache
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Sore throat
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Numbness of the lip or chin on the side where the tooth was removed (this is usually temporary)
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Pain in other teeth
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Dryness or cracking of the lips (keep them moist with Vaseline)
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Bruising on the face (this will gradually subside)
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A slight elevation in temperature
Telephone Calls
Please inform the receptionist of the nature of your call. Some matters can be addressed through our office communication system, making a return call unnecessary. If needed, the doctor will return your call as soon as possible.
Our telephone is answered 24 hours a day. When the office is closed, our answering service can usually reach the doctor promptly. Please call the office number.
Try to anticipate the need for prescription refills and call during office hours so that we can refer to your records. Please have the pharmacy phone number available when you call.
WE ARE INTERESTED IN YOUR SPEEDY RECOVERY. IF ANY PROBLEMS ARISE, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL THE OFFICE AT ANY TIME.