Post Operative Care Instructions Following Oral Surgery

proper care following oral surgery procedures will hasten recovery and prevent complications.

REST 

Minimize strenuous activities for 24—72 hours after surgery.

BLEEDING:

Remove the gauze from mouth 1 hour after getting home and before drinking or

eating. A small amount of bleeding is normal on the first day and night.

FOOD

After surgery, liquids are acceptable when desired. Allow for the numbness to

cease before beginning solid foods. The day after surgery, eat as desired and

tolerated. Encourage clear fluid intake, initially, then progress to soft foods.

Smoking, spitting and usage of straws will increase the risk of painful osteitis or

dry sockets, which will delay healing.

 SWELLING

It is normal to have swelling of the face after surgery. Use ice packs (ice in

plastic Ziploc bags covered with a towel) for 3 days after surgery. It is important

to place the ice pack on the outside of the face, alternating sides, 15 minutes on

15 minutes off. On the fourth day after surgery, switch to a warm moist towel

compress. Usually the largest amount of swelling occurs on the third day after

surgery.

 DO NOT RINSE YOUR MOUTH TODAY

Tomorrow rinse mouth gently every 3-4 hours (especially

after meals) using 1/4 teaspoon of salt or baking soda to a glass of warm water.

Continue rinses for several days. Teeth may be brushed the day after surgery,

stay one tooth away from surgery sites. Toothpaste may be used but avoid

mouthwashes containing alcohol.

 BONY EDGES

Small bone fragments may work through the gums during healing. These are not

roots. Please contact the office to have your surgeon evaluate them if they occur.

 NAUSEA

Pain medications and antibiotics can cause nausea. Take medications with an

adequate amount of soft food to help prevent nausea. Classic Coke and clear

carbonated liquids are helpful in preventing nausea. If nausea still continues,

discontinue narcotic pain medications. Substitute with Ibuprofen. Discontinue

antibiotics only if your surgeon recommends this.

PAIN 

Use narcotic pain prescription only if needed. Substitute or use in conjunction

with 600 mg of Ibuprofen every 6 hours

 SUTURES

Dissolvable sutures will dissolve on their own in 7-10 days. Sutures may

become loose, irritating or may come out. This is usually not significant. Any

questions or concerns please feel free to contact the office.

LOCAL ANESTHESIA

Numbness from the injection site should wear off in 2-8 hours after

surgery. If any symptoms occur which you feel are unusual or are concerning

you, please call at once.

 
 Neal Oral and Maxiofacial Surgery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted by amie on Mar 24th, 2010 3:39 pm
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