Post-operative Instructions
These instructions apply to the surgical procedure just completed. They are designed to help you minimize post-surgical discomfort and inform you of any situation that may require special attention.
Pain Medications
It is not unusual to have discomfort for at least the first week following your surgical procedure. You will be given a prescription for medication to help you tolerate the post-surgical recovery period. Please take your medications as directed. It is advisable to not take pain medication on an empty stomach, as nausea may result.
As an alternative to prescription medications, some patients have found taking a combination of over-the-counter Ibuprofen and Tylenol to be effective. You may take the combination in either of the following dosages: 3 Advil Liqui-Gels and 2 Regular Strength Tylenol or 3 Advil Liqui-Gels and 1 Extra Strength Tylenol, every 6 hours as needed.
Note: When taking any prescribed medication containing Acetaminophen (Tylenol), i.e.; Percocet, Hydrocodone, Vicoden or Tylenol with Codeine, you should not take additional Tylenol so as not to exceed the safety level of Acetaminophen. Please contact the office with any questions you may have.
Antibiotics
Please alert the office to any allergies or sensitivities that you might have to antibiotics. An antibiotic may be prescribed following your surgical procedure. Take as directed until gone. It is advisable not to take these medications on an empty stomach, as nausea may result. Note: For women taking birth control pills, be advised that antibiotics may interfere with their effectiveness.
Swelling
Swelling may occur following your surgical procedure. To minimize any swelling, place an ice pack over the outside cheek area for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off for the first 24-48 hours. If needed, continue to use ice for 2-3 days following the procedure as often as possible. The following days rinsing with warm water or salt water (1/2 tsp. per 8 oz. of warm water) is very soothing.
Bleeding
A slight discoloration of your saliva is normal for the first 24 hours. If excessive or continuous bleeding occurs:
- Do not rinse your mouth or spit as this will cause more bleeding.
- Elevate your head when lying down.
- Apply moistened gauze to the immediate area with moderate pressure for 20 minutes; repeat if necessary.
- Enclose a moistened tea bag in a gauze square and apply pressure for 20 minutes.
- Call the office if bleeding persists. 806-356-9448 or 800-311-1819
Diet
Until comfortable, avoid chewing on the side where surgery was completed. Avoid hot/warm foods and liquids for approximately 24 hour following the surgery to help prevent swelling. A cool diet may include pudding, milk shakes, yogurt, protein shakes, etc. The following days you should still eat soft foods but you can have pastas, ground meats, potatoes, eggs, cheese, casseroles, etc. Rinse well after meals so no food accumulates in the surgical site. Remember, adequate nutrition is essential for feeling better as well as for healing.
Smoking
Do not smoke for at least 2 weeks following your surgical procedure. It will significantly slow healing and can compromise results.
Alcohol
Do not drink alcohol while taking prescription pain medications.
Rinsing/Brushing
You were given a prescription mouth rinse, Peridex, that should be used twice daily as directed for two weeks following surgery. The teeth not involved in the surgery can be brushed as usual using toothpaste and flossed. DO NOT use hydrogen peroxide since it delays healing of your mouth.
Suture Removal
For most surgical procedures dissolvable sutures are used. You may notice them coming loose 3 days up to 10 days after surgery, this is normal. You will be scheduled for an appointment two weeks after surgery to remove any remaining sutures and to check healing of the surgery site.
Activity
It is important to rest after your surgery. Tomorrow you should be able to return to more normal activity. Take care of yourself! This is a minor surgical procedure but it is still surgery and you need time to fully recover. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at 806-356-9448 or 800-311-1819.