Please read these instructions Carefully. 

Sometimes the after-effects of oral surgery are quite minimal, so not all instructions apply. Common senses will often dictate what you should do. However, when in doubt, follow these guidelines or call our office anytime for clarification.

Day of Surgery

FIRST HOUR

Bite down gently but firmly on gauze packs that have been places directly over the surgical areas, making sure they remain in place. It is important that the gauze is applied directly to the site, not just between the adjacent teeth. Do not change them for the first hour unless the bleeding is not being controlled. If active bleeding persists after one hour, place enough new gauze to obtain pressure over the surgical site for another 30-60 minutes. Continue this process until the bleeding has stopped. **Remember it is normal to have mild oozing for the first 24 hours**

EXERCISE CARE

DO NOT DISTURB the surgical area today. DO NOT RINSE vigorously or probe the area with any objects or your fingers. You may brush your teeth gently but avoid the area of your surgery for 24 hours. DO NOT SMOKE for at least 48 hours, since it is very detrimental to healing. DO NOT DRINK
THOUGH A STRAW for two weeks.

OOZING

Intermittent bleeding or oozing is normal– for as long as two weeks following the surgery. It may be controlled by placing fresh gauze over the surgical areas and biting down firmly for 30-60 minutes. Make sure the gauze is pressing on the surgical re not just between teeth.

STEADY BLEEDING

Bleeding should never be severe. If it is, it usually means that he packs are being clenched between your teeth rather than exerting pressure on the surgical areas. Try responding fresh packs. If bleeding persists or becomes heavy you may substitute a tea bag (soaked in cold water, squeeze damp-dry and wrapped in a most gauze) of 60 minutes. If bleeding remains uncontrolled, please call our office.

SWELLING

Often there is some swelling associated with oral surgery. You can minimize this by using a cold pack or ice bag wrapped in a towel and apply firmly to face or cheeks adjacent to the surgical area. This should be applied 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off during the first 12 to 24 hours of surgery. After 48 hours, it is best to switch from ice to moist heat. Remember most swelling occurs on the second and third days after surgery.

PAIN

Unfortunately, most surgical procedures are accompanied with some degree of pain. It is normal for any pain or swelling from any surgical procedure to gradually increase for the first three days after surgery. After this, you should gradually begin to feel better. You will usually have a prescription for pain medicine and if you are able to being taking this before the anesthetic has worn off, you will be better able to manage your pain. If the pain medicine you have been given is not adequate, you may have supplement this ibuprofen or aspirin. The more pain medicine you take, the greater the risk of nausea and vomiting. It is best to eat something prior to the medication.

NAUSEA

Nausea is not uncommon event after surgery, and it is sometimes caused by strong pain medicines. Nausea may be reduced by preceding each pill with small amounts of food, and taking the pill with a large volume of water. Try to keep taking clear fluids to minimize pain medication, but call us if you do not feel better or if repeated vomiting is a problem. Cola drinks that have less carbon may help

DIET

Eating an nourishing food that can be taking with comfort. Temperature of the food doesn't matter but avoid extremely hot foods. It is sometimes advisable, but not required, to confine the first days intake to blank liquids or pureed food (cream soups, pudding, yogurt, milkshakes, est..). Avoid foods like nuts, sunflower seeds, popcorn, est., that may get lodged in the socket areas. Over the next several days you can progress to solid foods at your own pace. It is important not to skip meals! If you take nourishment regularly, you will feel better, gain strength, have less discomfort and heal faster. If you are diabetic, maintain your normal eating habits as much as possible and follow instructions from us or by your physician regarding your insulin schedule.