Surgical Instructions
After Surgery Oral Care
To provide you with a better understanding of oral care after your surgery, we have integrated the module you see below with our web site. Many of the frequently asked questions pertaining to postoperative care are discussed.
BLEEDING
Bite with firm pressure on the gauze pack(s) for 1 hour. To stop the bleeding the gauze pack(s) must be placed and held on the surgical site(s) while closing the teeth together. Extra gauze will be sent home with you. Change the gauze pack(s) every 30 minutes, only if necessary. If bleeding has not stopped after all gauze is used, bite on a clean moistened tea bag(s) for 30 minutes.
A small amount of seepage may be normal for up to 18 hours. If the bleeding is not decreasing, telephone our office.
Do not spit in the first 24 hours. Spitting causes bleeding.
MEDICATIONS
Have your prescription filled and start taking it before your numbness wears off. Follow the instructions on the prescription label. Try not to take the medication on an empty stomach. Any medication given for infection (antibiotic) or swelling (anti-inflammatory) should be taken until it is all gone. If you develop a rash or hives discontinue all medication and contact the office.
Women: Please note that some antibiotics may interfere with the effectiveness of your birth control pills. Please check with your pharmacist.
SWELLING
Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling, apply an ice pack to the outside of your jaw immediately upon your return home, 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off. Doing this for up to the first 48 hours will help to reduce swelling. The third day, moist heat applied to the jaw, 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off, should increase comfort and help keep swelling to a minimum.
Swelling may peak up to 3 days after surgery; this is normal. You may experience discomfort for 1 week or occasionally longer.
FOOD
You may eat upon your arrival at home and prior to taking your medication. A soft food diet, such as yogurt, soft breads, soup, with lots of liquids is recommended. Hard and hot foods should be avoided for the first 24 hours.
Skipping meals will slow down the rate of healing.
Do not use straws; sucking on straws will cause bleeding.
NAUSEA
This may be caused by swallowing too much blood, taking medications on an empty stomach, or occasionally due to the surgery or anesthetic.
For relief: Coke, Ginger Ale, or 7-Up over crushed ice may be sipped. If these are tolerated, crackers or bland foods may then be taken. Pepto-Bismol can also be taken according to the instructions on the label. If nausea still persists, contact our office.
SMOKING
Do not smoke following surgery. It causes bleeding and slows down healing.
RINSING
Do not rinse for 24 hours after surgery. After that time period, you can brush your teeth and rinse gently with warm salt water (1/3 teaspoon salt in a large 8 oz. glass of warm water) 4 or 5 times per day. Hold solution in mouth 30 seconds to 1 minute each time. A mouthwash may also be used if necessary.
It is important to keep your mouth clean. Brush your teeth gently in the area of the surgery.
ACTIVITY
It is important to go home and rest the day of the surgery. If an intravenous anesthetic has been used on the day of surgery you should not drive a motor vehicle. If you are taking pain medication you should not operate any machinery.
DENTURES
If an immediate denture is placed, do not remove. The doctor will remove the denture the following day upon your visit to the office. Additional instructions will be given then.
MISCELLANEOUS
If you have any questions or concerns as to your progress and recovery, feel free to give our office a call at (408) 736-4332.