After Oral Surgery

Recovery/ Rest

For the first 24 hours after surgery you should rest and limit your physical activity. Excessive activity may increase your blood pressure which could increase bleeding and swelling.
 
Bleeding

Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding (your mouth fills up rapidly with blood) can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound. If bleeding continues please call office for further instructions.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery and should peak between 24-48 hours. To minimize swelling, apply an ice bag provided by our office on the cheek in the area of surgery. If more than one area was operated, rotate the application every 30 minutes. The cold compress should be utilized for 12-24 hours only.
 
Head Elevation
 
During the first 24 hours after surgery, it is best to keep your head elevated (2-3 pillows or recliner) while resting or sleeping to help minimize swelling.
 
Diet
 
Drink plenty of cool (hot will increase bleeding), clear liquids (no dairy)on the day of surgery. After the first day you may progress your diet to tolerated foods. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.

Pain

After surgery most patients will experience some degree of discomfort if they do not take their prescribed medication. I suggest that after surgery you initially take one (1) tablet immediately after getting the prescription filled after surgery. Wait at least one (1) hour to judge the effect of the medicine. If pain persists, you may take another single tablet at one (1) hour intervals until the discomfort has lessened (note: if you require more than three (3) tablets in the initial three hours call our office. Once the pain is under control, proceed to taking the medication every 3-4 hours as needed.

Antibiotics

Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics as prescribed to help prevent infection.

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. Warm salt water rinses (teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should be used at least 4-5 times a day, especially after meals. Brushing your teeth should begin as soon as possible and but be gentle initially with brushing of the surgical areas.

Wearing your Prosthesis

Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures should not be used immediately after surgery. Allow the swelling and soreness to resolve before aggressive wear.