- Some bleeding is expected. Keep the gauze pad placed over the surgical site for one hour following surgery. Change the gauze every hour until the bleeding has stopped.
- Pain medication should be started as soon as you feel the anesthetic wearing off. For moderate pain, 1-2 Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every three to 4 hours. If you prefer Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) rather than Tylenol, you may take two to three tablets every three to four hours as needed for pain. For severe pain, take the tablets prescribed by your doctor as directed. Do not drive or consume alcohol while taking pain medication.
- Swelling around the mouth, cheeks, eyes and sides of the face is not uncommon. To minimize swelling, apply an ice pack on the cheek in the area of surgery. Apply the ice for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, as often as possible for the first 36 hours. Do not apply heat.
- Do not rinse your mouth the day of surgery. Brush your teeth gently the night of surgery, being careful to avoid the surgical site. The day after surgery you can gently rinse five or six times a day with a cup of warm water mixed with a teaspoon of salt. Try not to spit as spitting could dislodge the blood clot. If your doctor prescribes a mouthwash, use it for one week.
- Limit physical activity. Do not over exert; avoid exercise for at least one week. Rest at home – keep your head propped up with pillows to reduce swelling. If you are an athlete, please confer with your doctor to determine when it is safe to resume activity.
- Take antibiotics as prescribed.
- Eat soft foods. Stick to a liquid or soft food diet for a few days after surgery. Food suggestions are: soups with mushy vegetables and noodles, jello, pudding, apple sauce, ice cream, yogurt, milkshakes, smoothies, mashed potatoes, eggs, protein shakes. Avoid hot or hard food for at least 48 hours. Drink five to six glasses of liquid each day. Do not use a straw for at least five days.
- Smoking increases the incidence of post-operative complications (specifically “dry socket”) and should be avoided for a minimum of one week following surgery.
- If nausea or vomiting occurs, do not consume anything for at least an hour including prescribed medicine. Sip on tea or ginger ale. Continue eating solid foods and taking medication when the nausea subsides.
Never hesitate to call the office with questions or in any of the following circumstances:
- Throbbing pain that does not respond to medication
- Bleeding that continues even when you apply pressure
- A fever that lasts for more than 24 hours after surgery
- Pus, which can indicate an infection
- Trouble swallowing or breathing
