Post-operative Instructions

The gauze pad should be folded on the surgical area and apply moderate pressure. Repeat every 30 minutes until bleeding subsides.

  • Vigorous mouth rinsing, spitting, smoking, should be avoided. After 24 hours please start gentle warm saltwater rinses.
  • Restrict your activities the day of surgery and resume normal activity when you feel comfortable.
  • Place ice packs on the skin over the area that the surgery was performed.
  • Please brush your teeth as normal but please avoid the gum tissue near the surgical area. Keeping the teeth around the surgical area clean will speed up the healing process.
  • If you suddenly sit up or stand from a lying position you may become dizzy. If you are lying down following surgery, make sure you sit up for one minute before standing.

BLEEDING

Slight bleeding or oozing is expected. Increased bleeding may be controlled by wiping any excess blood. Place a folded gauze pad over the area and bite on the gauze for thirty minutes. Repeat if necessary. If bleeding does not subside, please call our office for further instructions.

SWELLING

Swelling after different oral surgery procedures can be expected. The swelling will start after the procedure and will not reach its maximum until 2-3 days later. Please apply ice packs to the skin near the surgical area for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. Bruising of the skin following the surgery can be expected and will return to normal.

PAIN

Each patient’s tolerance and after procedure pain may vary greatly. Each patient will have a pain management control plan that is discussed with the Doctor prior to surgery. Non-opioid options for after surgery will be discussed during consultation. Please see our Exparel Tab for more information. Severe pain that persists may require attention, please contact the office for further instruction.

DIET

Please start with a liquid diet after surgery and progress to soft foods as tolerated. Drinking from a cup directly instead of using straws is recommended for 1 week.

The sucking motion can cause more bleeding by dislodging the blood clot. You may eat anything soft by chewing away from the surgical sites. A high calorie, high protein intake is very important. Nourishment should be taken regularly. You should prevent dehydration by taking fluids regularly. Your food intake will be limited for the first few days. You should compensate for this by increasing your fluid intake.

ANTIBIOTICS

If you have been placed on antibiotics, take the tablets or liquid as directed. Discontinue antibiotic use in the event of a rash or other side effects and contact our office immediately.