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 The following are a list of post-operative
instructions given to our patients. As you can see, there are many critical
factors which require attention. It is important to follow the instructions
as listed in order to decrease the chance of post-operative complications.
BLEEDING
Leave the gauze pad
over the area operated for 30- 60 minutes, holding it in place with moderate
biting pressure, after which it should be GENTLY removed. Change the gauze
every 30-60 minutes until the bleeding is controlled; not necessarily
stopped, but controlled. The sites may ooze slightly up until bedtime, or
even for the next several days.
Slight bleeding is
beneficial. If bleeding is excessive and should persist, do not become
alarmed. Remove any clots with a piece of gauze and rinse the mouth with ice
water. Form a piece of gauze to a thickness that can be placed directly over
the bleeding area and will not allow the teeth to come together when you bite
down. Hold in place firmly for 30 minutes and repeat until bleeding is
controlled. Rest for 3-4 hours following surgery.
DO NOT RINSE THE MOUTH ON
THE DAY OF SURGERY. If bleeding is excessive, following special instructions
above or contact our office.
DO NOT SMOKE for a period
of at least 24 hours following
surgery. NO SPITTING or SUCKING on a straw the day of surgery.
PAIN
If you were given
a prescription for pain, have it filled immediately and follow the
instructions accompanying the drug as to its use. DO NOT TAKE MEDICATION ON
AN EMPTY STOMACH or you may become nauseated. Try and take the pain
medication as soon as possible after surgery, even if the area is still numb.
Don't wait for the anesthetic to wear off. AGAIN, ALWAYS TAKE FOOD WITH YOUR
PAIN MEDICATION.
SWELLING
When extensive
surgery has been done about the face, swelling or discoloration is not
unusual. MAXIMUM SWELLING OCCURS 48 HOURS AFTER THE SURGERY. ON THE DAY OF
SURGERY, keep the face cold with ice packs - 30 minutes out of every hour.
Smooth Vaseline on the face and lips to avoid dryness and burning of the
tissues. If needed ice should be kept on until bedtime the day of surgery and
all day the following day, if at all possible.
ORAL HYGIENE
The operative
areas must always be kept clean. The day following surgery, use warm salt
water (1/2 tsp. salt in a 8 oz. glass of warm water) as a gentle mouth rinse
after every meal and at bedtime. This may also be used in between meals.
Start brushing the teeth after every meal the day after surgery. Remember to
include the teeth around the extraction site, since this will help prevent
infection. Remember again, do not rinse or brush the day of surgery.
DIET
An adequate diet MUST
be followed to insure a speedy recovery. Immediately following surgery,
liquid or soft foods are recommended and should be continued for several
days. We realize that the consumption of foods will be difficult, but an
adequate diet is essential for proper healing. Ensure and Sustacal are
helpful when used as liquid snacks. Some soft foods we suggest are: Carnation
Instant Breakfast, yogurt, ice cream, soups, puddings, jello, pastas, mashed
potatoes and milk shakes. Your diet
can be advanced as tolerated 2 days after surgery.
SUTURES
Do not worry
about any swelling or discoloration of the face that occurs following the
operation. This is usually normal and does not indicate infection. If
stitches were placed in your mouth, it was to prevent bleeding and to hasten
healing. These will be removed easily and painlessly on the appointed day,
usually seven to ten days after surgery. If stitches are light in color, they
will dissolve and you do not have to return to have them removed. You will be
made aware of this at the time of your surgical procedure. Do not be alarmed
if the sutures become loose or bothersome.
INFECTION
If you were given a
prescription for infection, the directions must be followed. Please take the
medication to its completion unless otherwise advised. Please be aware of
possible interference with the birth control pill during antibiotic usage.
Contraceptives may be rendered less effective when taken concurrently with
antibiotics. We recommend an additional method of contraception for the rest
of that cycle's package of pills. Infection can be a serious problem if not
taken care of properly.
Some bleeding, swelling
and pain are expected during the first several days; however, if you are
running a temperature or are excessively concerned about the condition of
your mouth, please feel free to contact me.
If a denture has been
inserted, DO NOT remove it for ANY REASON until you have been seen by your
dentist or me the day following surgery. If you have any questions regarding
this, please phone your oral surgeon.
EMERGENCIES
If an emergency
should arise, you may contact our office Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm. If you
should need to contact our staff and/or doctor outside of normal office
hours, you may call 239-3654, which will connect you to our answering
service. In extreme circumstances, go to the emergency room.
IT IS EXTREMELY
IMPORTANT THAT PATIENTS TAKE CARE NOT TO BITE THEIR LIP OR CHEEK FOR ABOUT 12
HOURS FOLLOWING SURGERY SINCE THE MOUTH MAY HAVE NO SENSATION DURING THAT
TIME. DIFFERENT TYPES OF ANESTHETICS ARE USED FOR DIFFERENT PROCEDURES. THE
NUMBNESS MAY LAST ANYWHERE FROM A FEW HOURS TO 12 HOURS. DO NOT BECOME
ALARMED IF NUMBNESS IS STILL FELT 12 HOURS AFTER SURGERY. THIS IS GENERALLY
DUE TO HAVING USED A LONG ACTING ANESTHETIC.
AAOMS
Nutrition Recommendations
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