Bleeding—some oozing of blood may continue for a short time after surgery. Maintaining pressure over the surgical site by biting firmly on damp, chilled, gauze sponge for 20 minutes should control this. Lie quietly with the head elevated and repeat this procedure every 20 minutes until active bleeding is controlled. A pinkish tinge of saliva is normal for a 24 hour period after the surgery. If profuse bleeding occurs, notify our office.

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• Do not use a straw or spit for 1 week. Do not smoke for 1 week. These will create a sucking action and cause bleeding and/or delay healing. A gentle evacuation of the saliva is all that is needed.

• Ice—an ice bag applied to the face as continuously as possible for the first 24 hours and then intermittently for the next 24 hours will reduce swelling.

• Rinsing—begin rinsing 24 hours after your oral surgery procedure with a quarter teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water at least 4 times a day. More FREQUENT and GENTLE rinsing will help soothe the surgical site. Continue rinsing for 7 days post-operatively unless otherwise advised.

• Pain—a moderate degree of pain following surgery is to be expected. Take over the counter medication every 3-4 hours, as needed. Alternating Ibuprofen and Tylenol works best, If a prescription drug has been provided, follow the directions on the label.

• Diet—resume a normal diet the following day. Occasionally for your own comfort, soft foods and liquids may be necessary for a longer period. Adequate nourishment is mandatory for quick recovery and healing following surgery.

• Nausea—following oral surgery and anesthesia, nausea is occasionally encountered. If nausea is present the diet should consist of clear liquids. If nausea persists, notify our office.

• Oral Hygiene—Continued good oral hygiene following oral surgery is important for normal healing. Routine tooth brushing should be instituted the day following oral surgery. Care should be taken when brushing the area adjacent to the surgical site. Do not use a Waterpik to irrigate food from the extraction site. The pressure created may cause the clot to disintegrate resulting in a very painful condition and delayed healing.

• Swelling/Stiffness-Swelling is normal following oral surgery. Maximal swelling and stiffness is expected on the second post-operative day and may last for several days. These are normal post-operative events.

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When suspicious or unusual tissue is removed, it will be submitted to a pathologist for examination. A separate charge will be made for this service and you will be advised of the results as soon as they are available.

 

Any patient having sedatives or narcotics must specifically agree:

• Not to drive a vehicle or operate machinery whilte taking the medication.

• Not to undertake any responsible business matters

• Not to drink any alcohol for 1 week

• Not to smoke cigarettes for 1 week