DO NOT SPIT, RINSE, SUCK (USING A STRAW), SMOKE, DRINK CARBONATED OR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES FOR AT LEAST 48 TO 72 HOURS. The goal is to keep the blood clot in the socket to prevent bleeding and a painful complication from occurring known as a DRY SOCKET.
Continue biting on the gauze for 30 – 60 minutes following your procedure. With clean hands, gently remove your gauze before eating and drinking. Take prescriptions as directed, and be sure to get plenty of rest and stay hydrated – these actions are vital to the healing process.
Prescriptions:
If you have been prescribed medications, please take as directed. Make sure when leaving the pharmacy that you understand how to take all of your medications. It is advised that prescriptions be filled on the way home, and be given with food. Please call the office if you have any problems with or questions about prescriptions. Once prescriptions are completed, over the counter medications (Tylenol and Ibuprofen) can be used.
Bleeding:
Some oozing of blood is normal for the first 12 – 24 hours after the procedure. Bleeding may be controlled by placing fresh gauze over the areas and holding pressure every 30 – 45 minutes, keeping head elevated. If bleeding persists, dry tea bags can be placed over the area and used like gauze. Once bleeding has stopped, gauze is not necessary. Remember to remove gauze and elevate the patient’s head before going to sleep.
Oral Hygiene:
Brush gently, making sure not to disturb area(s) where stitches have been placed. Gentle lukewarm salt water rinse twice a day can be used to clean your mouth (holding salt water in mouth for a few seconds and gently rock your head side to side). Be careful not to spit – just let water passively empty from your mouth. Avoid using mouthwash for at least 48 hours after surgery, as it can irritate open sockets.
Discomfort:
Unfortunately, some discomfort is to be expected for the first week after surgery. If you are given prescriptions, it is recommended to stay on the schedule with the medications to stay ahead of any pain. If you take the first pill before anesthetic has worn off, it is easier to manage discomfort. Your worst pain may be experienced on or around day 3 or 4 post surgery, this is normal and to be expected. Tightness and soreness are to be expected the first 2 weeks after surgery. Opening your mouth and stretching these muscles will help work soreness out.
Swelling:
Swelling is common after oral surgery. Holding ice packs on the outside of the face in 15-minute intervals will help minimize swelling. Do this as much as possible for the first 72 hours after surgery. Expect the worst of it to be between days 3 and 5 of surgery. At this point, you can switch to warm, moist heat (microwave a damp cloth). It is normal to experience some light bruising the first few days after surgery.
Diet:
Cold, soft foods will be best the first day of surgery. It is recommended to eat only soft foods for at least 5 days after surgery. Some examples include mashed potatoes, yogurt, applesauce, pudding, pasta, soup, soft chicken or fish, soft vegetables, etc. Avoid anything that is crunchy, sticky, or spicy. Also try to avoid anything with grains or small bits that can get lodged in the sockets. Be sure to stay hydrated, and try not to skip any meals.
Stitches:
If you have received sutures, avoid playing with them. The stitches will dissolve on their own unless the doctor states otherwise.
Nausea:
Nausea is most common the first 24 hours after being put under anesthesia. Nausea can be reduced by eating prior to taking pain medication, followed by a large volume of water. If nausea persists, please notify our office.
Do It Yourself Ice Packs
What you need:
- 1 quart or 1-gallon plastic freezer bags (depending on how large you want the cold pack)
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup rubbing alcohol
Instructions:
Fill the plastic freezer bag with 1 cup of rubbing alcohol and 2 cups of water.
- Try to get as much air out of the freezer bag before sealing it shut.
- Place the bag and its contents inside a second freezer bag to contain any leakage.
- Leave the bag in the freezer for at least an hour. When it’s ready, place a towel between the gel pack and bare skin to avoid burning the skin.
- When it’s ready, place a towel between the gel pack and bare skin to avoid burning the skin.