BLEEDING
Bleeding is normal for approximately 24 hours after surgery. If persistent bleeding occurs, place tightly folded gauze pads over bleeding area and bite down firmly for 1-2 hours. If excessive bleeding does not stop, please call our office for further recommendations. Please be advised, saliva mixed with blood can be misconstrued as excessive bleeding.
PAIN
Discomfort is normal after surgery. For mild to moderate pain, take any over the counter type pain medication such as Advil or Motrin (Ibuprofen) or Extra Strength Tylenol (Acetaminophen). Take two (2) pills every six (6) hours not to exceed eight (8) pills in a 24-hour period.
SWELLING
Swelling may occur immediately after surgery. To minimize or prevent swelling, as soon as possible after surgery, place an ice pack or bag of frozen peas in a towel surrounding surgical area for one half hour on and one half hour off. Continue for 36 hours only. Then switch to moist heat.
RINSING
DO NOT RINSE MOUTH for 24 hours after surgery. After 24 hours, rinse mouth 4-5 times daily for 60 seconds with a mixture of salt and warm water (1/2 Tsp salt in 6 oz warm water).
SUCTION
NO SUCTION IN THE MOUTH (I.E. STRAWS, SMOKING, SPITTING)
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS.
Follow the directions for your prescription medication very carefully. Antibiotics should be taken as directed, and not based on how you feel. Painkillers need only be taken for pain; they do not otherwise aid your healing in any way.
TABACCO PRODUCTS
DO NOT SMOKE OR CHEW TOBACCO UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE FOR 48 HOURS.
ACTIVITY
DO NOT PERFORM ANY STRENUOUS ACTIVITY FOR 48 HOURS.
TEMPORARY DENTURE
IF A DENTURE IS PLACED IN MOUTH FOLLOWING SURGERY, DO NOT REMOVE IT FOR 24 HOURS UNLESS SPECIFIED BY DOCTOR. DO NOT use any kind of denture adhesives (cream, gel, strips, or powder) to secure the temporary denture for three (3) weeks until the gums are healed.
SUTURES
If sutures are placed, they will dissolve in 7-10 days. DO NOT pull, cut, or bite them. If they are irritating your tongue or mouth, please contact our office to make an appointment to have them removed.
BONY EDGES
Small sharp bony fragments may work their way up out of the gums during the healing process. This is normal following dental surgery. If you have any problem in this area, just call our office and make an appointment for an evaluation.
DIET
PLEASE REFRAIN FROM EATING EXCESSIVE HOT OR COLD FOODS. Maintain a soft warm diet for approximately 48 hours.