Post Op Instructions

PLEASE READ

IMPORTANT HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS:

1. REMOVE gauze packs about 20 minutes after leaving the office.
2. Eat soft to liquid foods after removing gauze (applesauce, yogurt, Jell-O, pudding, warm broth, etc.). NO STRAWS, SPITTING OR SMOKING, any suction can encourage bleeding.
3. Take pain medications as directed.
4. Re-evaluate bleeding. Extra gauze has been provided (see below for further instructions).

BLEEDING:

Bite firmly on gauze placed over the surgery areas for 30-45 minutes (constant pressure). Any secondary bleeding may be controlled in the same manner. This may need to be repeated several times. A moistened tea bag may be substituted for gauze. A semi-upright position is advisable. Slight oozing may continue for 1-2 days.

PAIN:

Take medications as directed. Prescription pain medication is not always necessary. If the surgery was not difficult, you may use over the counter medication such as Tylenol, ibuprofen, etc. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DRINK ALCOHOL WHILE ON PAIN MEDICATIONS.

DIET:

It is very important that you eat soon after arriving home. Eating can reduce the chance of nausea. Soft to liquid foods while you are still numb. After the numbness has worn off, you may eat whatever you can manage. A good diet will aid in a speedy recovery.

NAUSEA:

Drink small amounts of carbonated beverages to help with nausea (7-Up, Sprite, colas, etc). Frequent meals can reduce the chance of nausea. If nausea persists, please contact us.

SWELLING:

Swelling will occur after surgery and will vary with each individual. Ice packs may be used to limit this: 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. Ice only for the first 24-48 hours. After 3 days, moist heat may be used. If swelling or pain is excessive, please call the office.

INFECTION:

If an antibiotic has been prescribed, take as directed. If you develop hives or a rash, immediately discontinue, and call our office.

ORAL HYGIENE:

Do not rinse your mouth the day of surgery. Starting the next day, you should rinse several times a day with warm salt-water. Brush your teeth in a normal manner as thoroughly as possible. A little bleeding may occur, this is not unusual. There will be open sockets where the teeth were removed. After 3 days, start rinsing the lower sockets every few hours with the irrigating syringe. A slight bad taste or odor may be present.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

1. The surgical sites will usually swell, and may become quite large.
2. You may have difficulty opening due to stiffness of the muscles.
3. You may develop a sore throat or have a slight earache.
4. It may take 4-6 weeks for the sockets to fill in with new tissue.
5. Discoloration may occur on the outside of the face near the area of surgery. This occurrence is not unusual and will resolve in several days.
6. The IV site may be slightly red and tender.
7. You may develop a low-grade temperature. Call this office if temperature continues for more than 48 hours.