Instructions will be given to both you and your caregiver following your surgery. These will be reviewed with you in detail by your surgeon and one of our staff prior to leaving the office. We will also give you a copy of your postoperative instructions in written form for reference at home. Please follow your individual instructions as closely as possible in order to maximize your comfort and minimize complications.
If you should have any questions that are not answered or unclear on the written postoperative instructions sheet, please call our office and we will be glad to help.
General instructions for aftercare following most oral surgical procedures may be found below:
Bleeding
- Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for the first 24-48 hours.
- Excessive bleeding (your mouth fills up rapidly with blood) can typically be controlled by biting on moist gauze placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30-60 minutes.
- If bleeding persists, please call our office for further instructions.
- Do not sleep with gauze in your mouth.
Swelling
- Swelling is normal after surgery and tends to peak 3 days following the procedure.
- To help minimize swelling, apply an ice pack on the cheek in the area of surgery as much as possible for the first 24-48 hours.
- If you are able to take anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, these medications will also be helpful for swelling.
Diet
- Eat soft foods and drink plenty of liquids for several days following your procedure.
- Avoid hot liquids or food as these will promote bleeding and swelling.
- You may resume your normal diet after the first few days unless otherwise directed.
- Do not use a drinking straw for at least 5 days unless otherwise directed.
Pain
- Your doctor will discuss postoperative pain control instructions following your procedure.
- In general, you should begin taking pain medication as soon as you arrive home from your appointment.
- Take your medications with food, as this will help to prevent nausea.
- Do not take any medication if you are allergic to it, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it.
Oral Hygiene
- You may resume brushing your teeth as normal after surgery taking special care to completely avoid the surgical area(s).
- Be gentle and do not spit or rinse forcefully.
- Do not use mouthwash for at least 5-7 days unless directed otherwise by your surgeon.
Activity
- We recommend that patients have assistance with walking on the day of surgery as they will be quite unsteady.
- Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery and for the following week.
- Do not smoke. Tobacco delays healing and may cause increased postoperative pain.
- Do not drive on the day of your surgery.
- Do not go to work/school, drive a car, or operate any heavy machinery while taking narcotic pain medication if prescribed.
Soft Food Ideas
Soft foods are foods that are easy to chew and swallow. These foods may be mashed, pureed, ground, and/or chopped. They are foods which are easy to eat with a spoon.
Examples of soft foods:
- Cooked cereals (oatmeal, Cream of Wheat, grits, etc)
- Eggs
- Pancakes
- Pastas
- Macaroni and cheese
- Creamed soups
- Pureed or blended soups
- Cottage cheese
- Mashed Potatoes
- Cooked vegetables that are soft, mashed, or pureed
- Mashed avocado/guacamole
- Soft-cooked fish
- Juices
- Applesauce
- Yogurt
- Milkshakes
- Smoothies
- Ice cream
- Custard
- Pudding
