Following your oral surgery procedure, it’s essential to follow these post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and minimize discomfort:
Immediately After Surgery:
- Rest: Restrict your activities for the first 24-48 hours after surgery.
- Bleeding: Bite down on the gauze pads provided for 30-60 minutes to control bleeding. If bleeding persists, contact our office.
- Swelling: Apply an ice pack to the affected area for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day, to reduce swelling.
- Pain: Take prescribed pain medication as directed. Over-the-counter pain relievers may also be used as needed.
- Nausea: If you experience nausea, avoid eating or drinking until it subsides. You may try sipping clear liquids or taking anti-nausea medication as prescribed.
Oral Hygiene:
- Rinsing: Avoid rinsing your mouth for the first 24 hours after surgery. After that, gently rinse with warm salt water several times a day.
- Brushing: Gently brush your teeth, avoiding the surgical site, starting the day after surgery.
- Flossing: Resume flossing gently once your oral surgeon advises it is safe to do so.
Diet:
- Soft Foods: Stick to a soft food diet for the first few days, gradually reintroducing solid foods as you heal.
- Avoid: Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods, as well as straws, which can dislodge blood clots.
Other:
- Smoking: Avoid smoking, as it can impair healing.
- Alcohol: Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours after surgery.
- Activity: Avoid strenuous activity for several days.
- Medications: Continue taking any prescribed medications as directed.
Contact Us:
If you experience excessive bleeding, severe pain, fever, or any other concerning symptoms, please contact our office immediately.
Follow-up Appointments:
Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments so we can monitor your healing progress.
We are here to support you throughout your recovery. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office.