SWELLING:  may occur immediately and increase gradually over 24-48 hours.  Swelling from the surgical procedure will maximize at 48-72 hours.  Ice packs applied externally to the area at 20 minute intervals throughout the day of surgery may help swelling, but only use them if they are advised by our office.  Sleeping with the head of the bed elevated above the level of the heart for the first two post-operative nights may tend to lessen swelling.

NAUSEA:  may result from the general anesthetic or the drugs prescribed for pain.  Drinking a small glass of a non-carbonated beverage will generally control mild nausea.

DIET:  soft foods and liquids will be required for 24-48 hours following surgery.  Avoid hot, spicy foods.  Do not drink soda, alcoholic beverages for 48 hours. Do not drink through a straw or smoke for at least 48 hours.  If you had surgery on only one side of the mouth, favor the other side while chewing for the first few days. NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES. NO SODA. NO SMOKING. NO ALCOHOL CONTAINING MOUTHWASHES.

ORAL HYGIENE:  should not be neglected.  Brush your teeth as usual and rinse with warm salt water after each meal beginning gently the night of surgery.  Do not brush the surgical area for 4-5 days. Do not use any alcohol based mouth washes for 48 hours. NO ALCOHOL CONTAINING MOUTHWASHES.

ACTIVITY:  should be restricted to a minimum for the first 2-3 days.  Strenuous work or exercise may promote bleeding.  If you have had a general anesthetic or sedation, we must require that you be accompanied home by a responsible adult.  Under no circumstances are you to drive any vehicle for at least 24 hours.

FEVER:  after surgery it is normal for the body temperature to be slightly elevated for the first 24 hours.

SIDE EFFECTS:  such as an ear ache, temporary ache of the adjacent teeth, restricted mouth opening, stretching or cracking at the corners of the mouth or discoloration of the skin my occur postoperatively.  These are temporary conditions that will improve as healing progresses. Pain or Clicking of the jaw joint may sometimes persist after a difficult surgery. These symptoms should diminish over time. Sometimes after surgery, numbness or tingling in the lip, skin, or tongue may persist for several hours or even several days. Call us if these symptoms persist longer than 48 hours.

STITCHES/SUTURES:  will be scheduled for removal normally 1-2 weeks after your surgery visit. Often the stitches placed are made of a resorbable material that will slowly dissolve on its own within 4-5 days. If the doctor placed stitches which require removal, the suture removal visit is usually scheduled ahead of time for 2 weeks following the surgery date. The office should call you to confirm this appointment. Should you have any questions don’t hesitate to call the office at (941) 408-7645.

Post-Operative Instructions following Extractions
and/or Oral Surgery:

EMERGENCIES:  In case of profuse bleeding, uncontrolled pain, persistent nausea or abnormal elevation of temperature, call the office at (941) 408-7645.

BLEEDING:  will be under control by the time you leave our office.  Some oozing or blood-tinged saliva may persist for up to 48 hours.  Should excessive bleeding occur, it may be controlled with pressure.  Apply a folded damp gauze pad, or damp tissue paper, over the area and bite firmly for 45 minutes.  This may need to be repeated several times.

PAIN:  is best controlled by the medication recommended by the doctor.  They are most effective when taken before the local anesthetic diminishes and normal sensation returns to the area.  Do not take pain pills on an empty stomach.  Narcotic pain medication such as Codeine, Oxycodone or Hydrocodone may cause nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, itching or constipation.  If these side-effects occur, discontinue use of the medication.  You may take an alternative over-the-counter pain medication as necessary or call our office for assistance.

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