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 Surgical Instructions
- Wound Care
- Bite firmly on gauze pack that has been placed, until you arrive home, and then remove it gently.
- Do not smoke for at least 12 hours, because this will promote bleeding and interfere with healing.
- Bleeding
- Some blood will ooze from the area of surgery and 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.
- Do not spit or suck thick fluids through a straw, because this promotes bleeding.
- If bleeding begins again, place a small damp gauze pack directly over the tooth socket and bite firmly for 30 minutes.
- Keep your head elevated with several pillows or sit in a lounge chair.
- Discomfort
- Some discomfort is normal after surgery. It can be controlled but not eliminated by taking the pain pills your dentist has prescribed.
- Take your pain pills with a whole glass of water and with a small amount of food if the pills cause nausea.
- Do not drive or drink alcohol if you take prescription pain pills.
- Diet
- It is important to drink a large volume of fluids. Do not drink thick fluids through a straw, because this may promote bleeding.
- Eat normal regular meals as soon as possible after surgery. Cold, soft food such as ice cream or yogurt may be the most comfortable for the first day.
- Oral Hygiene
- Do not rinse your mouth or brush your teeth for the first 8 hours after surgery.
- After that, rinse gently with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 oz of warm water) every 4 hours.
- Brush your teeth gently, but avoid the area of surgery.
- Swelling
- Swelling after surgery is a normal body reaction. It reach its maximum about 48 hours after surgery and usually lasts for 4 to 5 days.
- Applying ice packs over the area of surgery for the first 12 hours helps control swelling and may help the area to be comfortable.
- Rest
- Avoid strenuous activity for 12 hours after your surgery.
- Bruising
- 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 to 14 days
- Stiffness
- After surgery you may experience jaw muscle stiffness causing limited opening of your mouth. This is normal and improves in 5 to 10 days.
- Stitches
- If stitches have been placed in the area of your surgery. You will need to have them removed in about 1 week.
- Call the office if
- You experience excessive discomfort that you cannot control with your pain pills.
- You have bleeding that you cannot control by biting on a cotton pack.
- You have increased swelling after the third day following surgery.
- You feel that you have fever.
- You have any questions.
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