POSTOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
Wound Care
- Bite firmly on gauze that has been placed for the next 2 hours, then remove it gently. Place more as needed and keep in place for minimum of 2 hours. Do not change the gauze too often.
- Do not peek.
- Do not smoke for 72 hours because this will promote bleeding and interfere with healing and cause dry socket, very painful and hard to treat.
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.
- Do not spit or suck through a straw, since this promotes bleeding.
- If bleeding begins again, place a small damp gauze pack or tea bag 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 prescribed.
- Take your pain pills with a whole glass of water and with 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 through a straw, because this may promote bleeding.
- 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 24 hours after surgery.
- After that, rinse gently with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt 8oz of warm water) every 4 hours.
- Brush your teeth gently but avoid area of surgery.
Swelling
- Swelling after surgery is a normal body reaction. It reaches its maximum about 48 hours after surgery and usually lasts up to 4 to 6 days.
- Applying ice packs over the area of surgery for 20 minutes on and off for the first 24 hrs. helps control swelling decrease discomfort.
Rest
- Avoid strenuous activity for 48 hours after surgery or as directed by the Doctor. Rest for the rest of today
Bleeding
- 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 and limited opening of your mouth. This is normal and will improve 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.
Stiffness
- You experience excessive discomfort that you cannot control with your pain pills.
- You have bleeding that you cannot control by biting on gauze.
- You have increased swelling after the third day following your surgery.
- You feel that you have a fever.
- You have any questions.