POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
Please be sure to follow the postoperative instructions for your surgical procedure below. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the office where you had your procedure.
As Soon As You Leave
Keep gauze over the area with biting pressure for 20-30 minutes, making sure you are swallowing your saliva, then remove. If you were sedated for your procedure, you cannot drive for 24 hours. Do NOT spit, rinse, use straws, smoke or brush your teeth for the first 24 hours.
Bleeding
Some bleeding is normal and expected for the first 48-72 hours after surgery. If bleeding is excessive, apply pressure over the surgical site and bite firmly for 30 minutes.
Discomfort
Take over the counter medications, such as Tylenol or Advil, as directed on the package to relieve discomfort. Start immediately after your surgery and continue as needed.
Swelling
Swelling is normal and expected to occur around the mouth, cheeks, eyes and/or neck. Swelling increases 48 hours following surgery and often subsides in 4-5 days. To reduce swelling, apply cold compresses to the area in 20-minute intervals (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) for the first 48 hours following your procedure.
Oral Hygiene
Begin gently rinsing with warm salt water 24 hours after surgery. Rinse after each meal and before bed. Brush your teeth carefully, avoiding the surgical site for 2-3 days.
Diet
Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot fluids and foods the day of surgery. Soft foods like yogurt, pudding, pancakes and eggs will be easiest to eat. Avoid anything crunchy, hard, or anything with small pieces like seeds and nuts. Please refer to the TRUETEETH recommended food list.
Stitches
If sutures were placed, they are likely dissolvable and will come out on their own over the next 7-10 days. Avoid playing with them, but massage them lightly with your toothbrush when you begin brushing the surgical site.
Prescriptions & Post-Op Visit
If you have been prescribed antibiotics or pain medication, please take them as directed. If you have been given a post-operative appointment, please return to the office as scheduled.
Questions and/or Concerns
If any questions or concerns arise after leaving the office, you can reach us by phone call or text message during our normal business hours. If it is urgent or an emergency, please be sure to call. There is ALWAYS a Doctor on call if you are experiencing an emergency and they can be reached at any of the office phone numbers.
We advise the patient to plan ahead and buy soft food items prior to coming in for their surgery. Directly after surgery, begin with clear fluids like juice, broth or tea. From there, you can slowly progress to more substantial foods like applesauce or soft pasta. Remember, it is important to maintain nutrition for optimal healing to occur. Please see attached food list for examples on foods to eat or not to eat after surgery.