Additional Info

• Sometimes numbness of the lip, chin, or tongue occurs post-operatively. This is not a reason to worry and is usually temporary in nature. Do call us if this persists.
• A slight elevation of temperature immediately following surgery is not uncommon. If the temperature persists, notify us. Ibuprofen can help reduce the fever.
• You should be careful going from lying to sitting or standing. You were not able to eat or drink prior to surgery and taking pain medications can make you dizzy. You could get lightheaded when you suddenly stand up. Before standing, you should sit for one minute and then get up.
• Sore throats and pain when swallowing are not uncommon. This will subside in 2-3 days following your procedure.
• Stiffness of the jaw muscles may cause difficulty in opening your mouth for a few days following surgery. This is a normal post-operative event that will resolve on its own.

Swelling

Swelling is usually proportional to the surgery involved. Swelling around the mouth, cheeks, eyes and sides of the face is normal.

Swelling may not become apparent until the day following surgery and will not reach its maximum until 2-3 days post-operatively. Use ice packs to help reduce swelling. Begin using them the day of surgery and throughout the next 2 days while awake. After this, warm, moist heat can be applied.

Pain Control

Begin taking pain medication as the local anesthetic is wearing off, about 3-8 hours after surgery.

Staying ahead of your pain is key though the initial healing phase. Follow the schedule described to you and have your prescribed medications available following your procedure. As always, let us know if you have any questions or concerns!

Prescribed pain medicine may make you groggy and will slow down your reflexes. Do not drive an automobile or work around machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages.

Nausea with pain medication may occur but can be reduced by eating food 30 minutes before taking your pain medication. If you do become nauseated, you can also take one-half of your prescribed dose more frequently. If you continue to experience nausea or vomiting, please contact us.

Pain or discomfort usually peaks 2-3 days following surgery and then begins to subside over the next week. If pain persists, please let us know so we can help.

If you were prescribed an oral steroid such as a Medrol dose pack, begin taking this the morning following your procedure, Follow the instructions on the back of the package and take as directed. Note: If you are diabetic, steroids may cause a temporary spike in blood sugar levels. Please be aware of this and let us help you decide if steroids are right for you.

Nausea/Vomiting

You may become nauseous after your procedure or with prescribed pain medication. If this occurs, you can try slowly sipping Coke, tea, or ginger ale. When the nausea subsides, eat something 30 minutes before taking your pain medication or antibiotics.

Sutures

Sutures are occasionally placed in the area of surgery to minimize postoperative bleeding and to help healing. We will let you know if sutures are placed. Sometimes they become dislodged. This is no cause for alarm. Just remove the suture from your mouth and discard it. The sutures will dissolve on their own 1 one week or less.

Diet

Make sure to drink lots of fluids after your procedure. Avoid straws. Try to avoid hot foods and stick with cold, soothing food and drink. Milk shakes, Jell-O, yogurt, and applesauce are great choices. You may begin eating normal food when you feel able, but avoid crunchy foods like popcorn and potato chips until gum tissue has healed.

Your food intake will be limited for the first few days. You should compensate for this by increasing your fluid intake. You may eat anything soft by chewing away from the surgical site(s). High calorie, high protein intake is very important . You will feel better, have more strength, less discomfort, and heal faster if you continue to eat!

Oral Hygiene

Brush your teeth gently and avoid brushing directly on the surgical site for at least 2 weeks.

You may rinse your mouth with warm salt water as needed – AVOID SPITTING OR SWISHING FORCEFULLY for the first 72 hours.

A syringe will be given for wisdom teeth extractions – begin using this 4 days after your procedure. Draw up water into the syringe and squirt into extraction sites after meals and before bedtime for 7-10 days to clean them out and reduce the risk of infection.

Reduce physical activity for 2-3 days. Avoid lifting, bending, running, etc. to help minimize swelling. Rest and sleep with your head elevated. After 2-3 days, you may resume normal activity as you feel able.