Proper care following surgical procedures in the mouth will quicken recovery and reduce potential complications.
It is essential that you:
Pain following oral surgery is to be expected. The severity of pain varies considerably from one person to another and with the nature of the surgery. If the medication you have seems inadequate or if severe pain continues beyond 48-72 hours, contact our office. Further treatment may be required.
You may expect a small amount of bleeding during the first 24 hours. If bleeding becomes excessive:
AVOID: Rinsing, poking with tongue or fingers, sucking, spitting, excessive activity and NO STRAWS.
DO NOT: Smoke, drink alcoholic beverages, or consume hot liquids for at least 18 hours.
Swelling to varying degrees may occur following oral surgery. To minimize swelling, apply ice pack (cold compress) to affected side of face - on 20 minutes, off 20 minutes for the 6-8 hours following surgery. Do not apply heat in first 3 days following surgery. It may take 2-3 days before the swelling peaks. Contact our office if the swelling increases after that time.
A bruising of the skin sometimes occurs. This will disappear without treatment in 7-10 days.
Difficulty in opening the mouth occasionally occurs and should begin to disappear gradually within 3-5 days.
Do not rinse for 24 hours following surgery. Provided there is no bleeding, you may rinse after this time with warm salt water. (1/2 teaspoon of salt dissolved in approximately 6 oz. of warm water). Afterwards, clean your mouth as usual, avoiding the wound.
Adequate nutrition is important for proper healing. Clear liquids, which include: apple juice, sports drinks and clear/cool broth, should be taken on the day of surgery followed by soft foods the day after surgery. Eat soft nutritious foods such as eggs, chopped meats, custards, milk shakes, soups juices. Avoid HOT foods and liquids.
Even with proper care, complications sometimes arise following oral surgery. The most common early problems include bleeding and nausea. In case of unusual disturbances, do not hesitate to contact our office.
Depressant type drugs (sedatives, tranquilizers, etc) are sometimes administered before surgery. The effects of these drugs may seem to wear off within the first hour or two but reflexes may be impaired for up to 24 hours. Therefore, you should not drive a car, operate machinery or travel unescorted for that period of time. Also, patients should not drive while taking stronger painkillers.
Begins 2-4 hours after the procedure is completed, as the local anesthetic wears off. Pain typically increases gradually peaking on the third or fourth day after surgery. It is recommended that you begin pain management with Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) 600 mg every 8 hours on a schedule for the next 4-6 days. AVOID ASPIRIN. If the Ibuprofen is insufficient to meet your needs, then plain Tylenol or the prescribed pain killer can be taken with Ibuprofen to provide better relief.
Will increase gradually over the first 3-4 days after surgery. It will typically look worse in the morning, after you have been in the reclined position for 6 plus hours. Ice should be applied to that side (or sides) for the first 2 days. Apply an ice pack: on 20 minutes, off 20 minutes while awake.
Is expected in small amounts, off and on during the next 3 days. It may occur from the mouth, and/or the nose.
If bleeding is from the nose:
If these measures do not stop or significantly slow down the nasal bleeding, then call our office, or proceed to the local emergency room and have the charge nurse page Dr. Villa.
Bruising of the skin may occur. It may appear until the third or fourth day after surgery. This will usually resolve within the next 7-10 days.
Finish taking the prescribed antibiotics
If the nasal passage (s) are congested, it is okay to use a nasal spray as directed for the first 3 days after surgery.
If congestion persists, and you feel the need to treat it, you can then switch to an oral decongestant (for example DayQuil / Nyquil) again: as directed.
No smoking, drinking through a straw or blowing nose for the next 2 weeks.
If you have to sneeze, open your mouth to sneeze. If not, you will create a negative pressure in your sinus, creating the possibility of bleeding and disturbing the sinus graft.
Depending on the type of surgery, you may have resorbable or non-resorbable stitches. The resorbable stitches may start to fall out over the next 7-10 days. Non-resorbable stitches will be removed in the office after one to two weeks.
Start brushing teeth the day after surgery except the areas of surgery.
Clear and full liquids for the first 24 hours. These include electrolyte beverages, clear juices, soups, shakes, smoothies, yogurt, puddings and water. After the second day, soft regular diet for 3 days: noodles, eggs, ground beef, etc. Then regular diet as tolerated.
As soon as possible, place an ice pack on your face over the surgical area; 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.
Use the ice pack for the first 24-48 hours following surgery. This will contribute to your comfort and minimize swelling.
Moist heat may be applied the third day following surgery for added comfort.
Pain begins 2-4 hours after the procedure is completed, as the local anesthetic wears off. It typically increases gradually peaking on the third or fourth day after surgery. It is recommended that you begin pain management with Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) 600 mg every 8 hours on a schedule for the next 4-6 days. AVOID ASPIRIN. If the Ibuprofen is insufficient to meet your needs, then plain Tylenol or the prescribed pain killer can be taken with Ibuprofen to provide better pain relief.
Some pain medications may cause lightheadedness. Lying down will help this.
Some medications may cause an upset stomach. Taking these with food will lessen this effect.
Take antibiotics and any other prescribed medication as directed.
Do not brush, floss, rinse and spit the day of surgery as it can dislodge the clot that has formed.
You may begin to brush NON-SURGICAL areas the day following surgery. Remember to rinse very gently. You may begin brushing the surgical areas 2 weeks after surgery.
Eat soft foods such as pasta, eggs, yogurt, baked potatoes or hot cereal.
Avoid extremes: very hot, very cold, acidic foods such as oranges and tomatoes. Also avoid chewy or sharp foods.
Maintain a balanced diet.
Fluids should be consumed as soon as possible. It is recommended that you drink 6-8 glasses of water over the remainder of the day following surgery.
Avoid using a straw as it may cause a suction, which may loosen clotting and cause bleeding.
Some seepage of blood is expected, however, extensive bleeding should not occur. If such bleeding does occur, apply firm pressure with moist gauze or a gauze covered, warm, moistened tea bag to the area for 20 minutes. If bleeding does not subside, please call the office.
DO NOT CONSUME ALCOHOL WHILE ON PAIN MEDICATION
Some swelling often occurs and this is normal. However, if swelling seems excessive and is accompanied by fever, please call immediately.
We strongly advise NOT SMOKING after surgery. Smoking delays the healing, increases discomfort, and may encourage bleeding and infection in the surgical site.