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Oral Surgery/Periodontal
Post Operative Instructions
24 Hours Following Surgery
Keep your blood pressure down, no vigorous exercise or heavy lifting, the less active you are the less bleeding, swelling and less discomfort you'll have. It is very important to start any medications that have been prescribed and follow instructions on label. Always take food with any pain medication such as yogurt, ice cream or pudding to avoid upset stomach.
DO NOT rinse your mouth vigorously or brush your teeth in area of surgery.
Drink plenty of fluids, cold is always better than hot, it helps avoid swelling. Avoid using a straw and smoking; these create a suction and may disturb the blood clot protecting the socket. Avoid alcoholic beverages; alcohol raises blood pressure which in turn will make the surgical sight bleed more.
Soft nutritious foods such as soft boiled or scrambled eggs, gelatin or dairy desserts, oatmeal or cream of wheat, mashed potatoes or pancakes maybe eaten without disturbing the blood clot the first day or two. More solid foods can be added as soon as they can be chewed comfortably. DO NOT eat peanuts, popcorn, potato chips, pretzels or similar foods until the socket has healed. (Usually 4-5 weeks)
Ice is going to be your best friend for the next 24 hours. Swelling most likely will occur following surgery. Ice packs applied to the face will ease any discomfort post operatively and help decrease or prevent undue swelling. A plastic bag of ice chips wrapped in a thin towel makes a convenient packet to place on the involved area; 20 minutes on and 10 minutes off is the appropriate time intervals prescribed.
Slight oozing may persist for 24 hours after surgery and should not be cause for undue concern. After several hours, if brisk bright red bleeding persists you may take a Lipton tea bag, moisten it, and fold it in half, place it on the socket and apply pressure for one hour; the tannins in the tea will help clot the blood. If this does not take care of the situation, please contact us for advice and instructions. Keep your head elevated while sleeping or lying down for the first few days after surgery.
On The Day After Surgery
1). Rinse your mouth after you eat, thus keeping surgical sites as clean as possible.
2). You should brush your teeth as usual but use caution in the operated areas.
3). Mouthwashes ARE NOT to be used; the alcohol in the mouthwash will dry out
the surgical sight and prolong healing.
4). Salt may be used in warm water rinses but it is very important to only use a
pinch; if too much is used the excess salt will dry out the socket also prolonging
healing.
Sutures (stitches)
Sutures may be placed after surgery. The sutures will be dissolvable or non-dissolvable. Dissolvable sutures dissolve (fall out) within a week. Non-dissolvable sutures will be removed during your post operative visit; about two weeks following surgery.
Medications
When indicated, you will be given a suitable medication for the relief of pain. You may take the prescribed dosage one to two hours after leaving the office to provide adequate pain relief during the period when local anesthesia wears off. Thereafter, take the prescribed medication only if necessary to control pain.
Do not take narcotic medication on an empty stomach because this may cause nausea. Do not take pills more frequently than prescribed or instructed. Most medication prescribed may contain a narcotic, avoid driving a vehicle, operating machinery, and drinking alcoholic beverages after taking the medication. DO NOT take tranquilizers and pain medication at the same time.
Complications
If prolonged or severe swelling, pain, bleeding or high fever is present or persist (some increase in body temperatures, 100-101 degree is not unusual for a couple of days after surgery), you should contact us so the exact instructions for care may be given. In case of emergency a 24 hour answering service is employed by our office for your convenience.
Bone Fragments
During the healing process, small sharp fragments of bone may loosen and work through the tissue. These fragments, which are not roots, usually work out of the tissue on their own. If they become annoying, return to the office for their removal.
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