Post-operative Instructions

These instructions apply to the surgical procedure just completed. They are designed to help you minimize post-surgical discomfort and inform you of any situation that may require special attention.

Pain Medications

  • As your anesthesia wears off, you may have some discomfort. You have been prescribed ____________for pain relief. Take this as prescribed. DO NOT substitute aspirin or other medicines. If this medicine makes you feel ill, call me. Take two (2) tablets every four (4) hours until bedtime; tomorrow as needed for pain. It is advisable to NOT take pain medication on an empty stomach, as nausea may result.
  • immediately following surgery, Ice should be applied to your face in the area of surgery. Using the ice on and off for 20 minuted intervals For the reminder of the day. While not in use the provided ice pack should be placed back into the freezer.This will aid in your healing and help prevent swelling and pain. Slight swelling notice the first or second day is normal. However if swelling begins after three days call the office  immediately.
  • Note: When taking any prescribed medication containing Acetaminophen (Tylenol), You should not take additional Tylenol, You are not to exceed the safety level of Acetaminophen. Please contact the office with any questions you may have.
  • In addition to your pain medicine, your may have been given a prescription for an antibiotic. It is absolutely essential that you take all of these pills exactly as the prescription label states. and that you not stop taking them before they are all gone. Do not take on an empty stomach.Antibiotics may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Alternative birth control is recommended. If you have any problems, call me. Please alert the office to any allergies or sensitivities that you might have to antibiotics.

Bleeding

A small amount of bleeding is normal in your saliva during the first day. Excessive bleeding is neither normal nor expected. If there is excessive bleeding call me.If excessive or continuous bleeding occurs:

  • Do not do any rinsing, spitting out, or drinking through a straw the day of surgery.
  • Elevate your head when lying down. (2 to 3 pillows is sufficient)
  • Apply moistened gauze to the immediate area with moderate pressure for 20 minutes; repeat if necessary.
  • Call the office if bleeding persists.

CLEANING

Clean teeth that were not involved in the surgery, as well as you can, according to how you have been taught. DO NOT brush or floss the area where surgery was completed for two weeks. Brushing can tear out sutures and destroy the surgical site.

Dressing

The dressing (which acts as a bandage) is used to protect the surgical site and help reduce discomfort. At a future appointment, we will take it off and possibly replace it. Before then, if a little piece of the dressing material comes off (less than 1/2) don’t worry. If the dressing comes off or is uncomfortable, please call the office for direction.

Diet

Avoid chewing on the side where surgery was completed for two weeks. Avoid hot foods and liquids for approximately 1 hour following the surgery so as not to soften the dressing. A soft diet is recommended for at least 2-3 days. Foods such as cottage cheese, oatmeal, soup, eggs, yogurt, pasta, mashed potatoes, casseroles, and fruits are more easily eaten. After the second day, return to a normal diet, being sure to eat a well-balanced one. Remember, adequate nutrition is essential for feeling better as well as for healing. DO NOT EAT ANY NUTS OR “SHELL” TYPE FOODS SUCH AS POPCORN.

Smoking

No smoking for the first 24 hours after the surgery!!!! If you can, do not smoke for at least 2 weeks following your surgical procedure. It will significantly slow healing and can compromise results.

Alcohol

Do not drink alcohol products for the first 48 hours after surgery or during the duration of pain medication!!!

Rinsing

Twenty-four (24) hours after the surgery you may begin rinsing with warm salt water. Use 1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces (1 cup) of warm water. Forty-eight (48) hours after the surgery, you may begin rinsing with your favorite mouthwash.

Suture Removal

You may notice increased discomfort 3-4 days after the surgical procedure. As the tissues begin to heal, they may pull against the sutures and dressing. You may also notice that your sutures are loose. Do not remove sutures on your own, call our office and we will have you come in for us to check.

You may choose to take some form of pain medication one hour prior to your suture removal appointment to minimize tenderness. If you are a patient for whom Antibiotic Pre-Medication is required, take the prescribed antibiotics 1 hour prior to your suture removal appointment.

Contact Us

If for any reason you feel that you are having any complications associated with the surgical procedure that you had completed today, please do not hesitate to call me at Leo V Trail JR., D.D.S, M.S, P.A Phone Number 410-569-8567.