|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oral Surgery Post Operative Instructions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Do not disturb the area with fingers, tongue, or by sucking on it.
- Do not rinse or spit for the first 24 hours after surgery. This allows for proper blood clotting to occur in the surgical site and is necessary for the healing process.
- Do not blow your nose following oral surgery for length determined by doctor.
- It is advised that someone drive the patient home after surgery to allow patient to rest. If patient is a child, watch over him/her during recovery. Patient’s lip may be numb; be careful that he/she does not chew or bite lip.
HYGIENE
- Keep mouth and surgical area clean! Brushing your teeth is important, but should be done cautiously around surgical site.
- Starting the day after surgery, rinse with Peridex/Perioguard mouthwash or Peroxide/Water mixture (50% Peroxide / 50% Water) or salt water rinse (8 oz. warm water with ½ tsp. salt).
- Start rinsing with Peridex before bedtime, then 3 times per day or until all tenderness subsides.
- Rinse around surgical site after each meal using plastic syringe.
BLEEDING
- Slight oozing is normal for first 24 to 48 hours following oral surgery.
- Excessive bleeding should be controlled: place a piece of sterile gauze over surgical site and hold firmly by closing teeth together for at least 45 minutes.
- If bleeding persists, place a moist tea bag over surgical site and hold firmly by closing teeth together. After a few minutes, rinse tea bag in warm water and replace tea bag over surgical site.
- If bleeding is severe and persistent, please call the office for further instructions.
- Use an inexpensive towel to cover bed pillow; some blood clots may be spit during sleep.
SWELLING
- Maximum swelling usually occurs between 24 to 72 hours after oral surgery.
- For the first 24-36 hours, use an ice pack on the outside of the face for 20 minutes on each side, alternating sides. Keep head elevated with two pillows.
- After 36 hours, use warm compresses to minimize swelling. Keep head elevated with two pillows.
PAIN / MEDICATION
- The first 24 to 48 hours after surgery are usually the most difficult.
- Take all medications as directed.
- For adults in MILD PAIN, take one or two non-asprin products (such as Tylenol, Motrin, Aleve, or Advil) for four hours. If skin rash develops, stop the medication and call the office immediately.
- If Dr. Goldberg has prescribed codeine, only take this medication if the above is inadequate. Do not drive automobiles or operate machinery while taking this medication.
- Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking prescription medication.
DIET AND NUTRITION
- Do not drink through a straw for one week after oral surgery. The pressure created in the oral cavity from suction can loosen the blood clot, cause bleeding, or induce a dry socket.
- Do not smoke for one week after oral surgery.
- Do not drink alcoholic beverages for three days after oral surgery or while taking prescription medication.
- If advised, avoid hot foods and drinks for first 24 hours after surgery.
- Diabetic patients should maintain normal diet and take all medications as prescribed.
- Avoid small, grainy foods such as rice, nuts, berries, seeds. Small food items could get stuck in the socket and impede the healing process.
MISCELLANEOUS
- Pain in the ear, difficulty swallowing, difficulty in opening or closing the mouth and some local discoloration of the skin can occur after oral surgery. If any symptoms persist longer than five days, please notify the office immediately.
- Denture patients should attempt to leave their dentures in place for the first 24 hours following surgery. Dentures should only be removed if there is active bleeding or severe discomfort. Swelling is expected in the site after surgery; once dentures are removed, it might not be possible to replace them after surrounding oral tissues become swollen.
- Keep your follow up appointments! Even if you are feeling good, it is important that we make sure you are healing properly.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
