Wound Care
1. Bite firmly on the gauze pack placed in your mouth until you arrive home and then remove it gently.
2. Do NOT smoke for at least 72 hours because this will promote bleeding and interfere with healing.
Bleeding
1. Some blood will ooze from the surgical site and this is normal. You may find a blood stain on your pillow in the morning, so it is advisable to use an old pillowcase the first night.
2. Do NOT spit or suck thick fluids through a straw, because this promotes bleeding.
3. If bleeding begins again, place a small damp gauze pack directly over the tooth socket and bite firmly for one (1) hour. Repeat if necessary. If bleeding continues, bite on a moistened tea bag for 30 minutes. No talking while gauze or tea bag is in mouth.
4. Keep your head elevated with several pillows or sit in a lounge chair.
Discomfort
1. Some discomfort is normal after surgery. It can be controlled but not eliminated by taking the pain pills prescribed for you.
2. Take your pain pills prescribed as written. Take them with a whole glass of water and with a small amount of food if the pills cause nausea.
3. Do NOT drive or operate machinery while taking pain medication.
4. Do NOT drink alcohol while taking pain medication.
NOTE: Narcotic pain medication can only be prescribed during normal business hours!!!
Diet
1. It is important to drink large volumes of fluids. Do not drink thick fluids through a straw for the first three days, because this may promote bleeding.
2. Eat normal regular meals as soon as possible after surgery. Cold, soft foods such as ice cream or yogurt may be the most comfortable for the first day.
Oral Hygiene
1. Do NOT rinse your mouth or brush your teeth for the first 12 hours after surgery.
2. After 12 hours, rinse gently with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 oz. of warm water) every 4 hours.
3. After 12 hours, you may brush your teeth, but do so gently and avoid the surgery area.
Swelling
1. Swelling after surgery is a normal body reaction. It reaches its maximum about 48-72 hours after surgery and can last 4-6 days.
2. Apply ice packs over the area of surgery for 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off during the first 24 hours. The helps decrease the swelling as well as providing some comfort.
Rest
1. Avoid strenuous activities for 48 hours after surgery.
Bruising
1. You may experience some mild bruising in the area of your surgery. This is a normal response in some persons and should not be a cause for alarm. It will disappear in 7-14 days.
Stiffness
1. After surgery you may experience jaw muscle stiffness and limited opening of your mouth. This is normal and will improve in 5-10 days. Using warm moist towels to your face 24 hours after surgery may help with the stiffness.
Stitches
1. The stitches placed at your surgery site are the kind that will dissolve in 7-14 days. You do not need to have them removed. Should they become loose or break several days after surgery this will not disrupt healing.
Medications
1. Take medications as directed. You may be prescribed several drugs; one for pain, one for swelling and possible an antibiotic. We will explain the medications to you.
Call the office if:
1. You have excessive bleeding that you cannot control by biting on the gauze.
2. You have increased swelling after the third day following your surgery.
3. You feel you have fever.
4. You have any questions.
