General Post-Op Instructions
Bleeding
Some bleeding, (a slow intermittent ooze) is to be expected following Oral Surgery. If a gauze pad has been placed in your mouth following surgery, leave it in place for at least 30 minutes, held firmly between your teeth, directly over the surgical site.
If bleeding is profuse and continuous, place additional sterile gauze pads over the site of operation and exert firm, constant pressure by biting firmly, or with your finger.
Rinsing
Do not rinse your mouth for at least 24 hours following surgery and DO NOT SPIT!. Normal hygiene (gentle) may resume the next day. A small amount of toothpaste on a fingertip or Q-tip can be used to keep adjacent area clean. With a Q-tip apply water gently around sutures to keep clean.
Swelling and Discoloration
It should be noted that a certain amount if swelling and discoloration following surgery is to be expected and that the height of the swelling is usually towards of the second 48 hours following surgery. The appearance of discoloration may not manifest itself for two or three days and may take up to two weeks to completely resolve
To minimize swelling, place an ice bag or cold towel to your face for 30 minutes of every hour during the first 48 hours.
After the second day, you may place a warm heating pad or towel to your face for 20 minutes of every hour.
Smoking
Refrain from smoking for at least 7 days. Stopping forever is strongly recomended.
Pain
The intensity of post-operative pain is usually greatest from 4-8 hours following the operation, regardless of medication prescribed. Please follow doctor’s orders regarding analgesics and if pain persists in severity after 12 hours, please call this office.
Driving
All patients who undergo general anesthesia or intravenous sedation, should refrain from driving a car or operating other machinery for 24 hours.
Medications
Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed during treatment. Please take as described. Resume all other daily medication following surgery unless otherwise directed.
Temporary Prosthesis
Use and care of temporary prosthesis may vary. Each patient should follow the specific instructions given by the doctor.
Prescription Information
- Narcotic medication (Codeine, Vicodin, etc.) may cause drowsiness, increase with alcohol intake. Do not drive a car or operate heavy machinery when taking.
- Take penicillin on an empty stomach or 2 hours before or after meals.
- DO NOT SPIT AFTER ANY EXTRACTIONS BECAUSE YOU WILL INCREASE BLEEDING AND DISRUPT THE SITE.
- Antibotics may render birth control pills ineffective. During their usage, and for seven days thereafter, additional means of birth control should be used.
- Ibuprofen containing medications should not be taken by aspirin allergic patients.