Instructions following Oral Surgery

Post operative care is very important following oral surgery and recovery may be delayed if neglected. Some swelling, stiffness/soreness, and discomfort is to be expected and is normal. Should any questions arise, please contact the office (after hours/weekends is 803-909-4362).

Day of Surgery

Bleeding

  • Keep gauze pack in place for 30 minutes with constant firm biting pressure. Change every 30 minutes until bleeding stops. Once it has stopped, no need to bite on gauze.
  • Keep head elevated and rest quietly.
  • If bleeding persists, repeat above procedures. You may also use any kind of tea bag in place of gauze to help stop bleeding (do not use if allergic to any ingredients of the tea).
  • Some oozing of blood and saliva discoloration is to be expected.

Swelling

  • It is very common. Use ice packs as much as possible for the first 24 hours to help alleviate and sleep with head and shoulders elevated.

Pain

  • Continue taking 800 mg of ibuprofen every 8 hours for the next 3 days.
  • If needed, you can also take 2 extra strength Tylenol every 6 hours (in between 800 mg of ibuprofen).
  • **Do NOT take any pain medicine on an empty stomach - may experience nausea if not taken with food**

Things to AVOID

  • No Smoking - hold off as long as possible. Smoking delays healing and may result in dry socket.
  • Do NOT eat until bleeding stops. It is okay to eat a soft food to take medication (i.e. pudding, yogurt, or mashed potatoes). Take gauze out prior to eating and replace with new gauze when you have eaten and taken pain medication.
  • Do NOT exercise. Rest for the next few days.
  • Do NOT use mouth wash.

Day 2 until complete healing

  • After all meals, brush teeth and rinse with warm salt water.
  • Your diet may be soft foods until you feel comfortable eating solids again.
  • Continue with pain medication as needed, and rest.
  • Sleep with head and shoulders elevated and do NOT sleep on sides for 3 nights to minimize swelling.

Instructions following Implants

Should any questions arise, please contact the office (after hours/weekends is 803-909-4362).

  • Remainon an ALL LIQUID diet for 3 days (something you just put in and slides down). Choices: Ensure, Carnation instant breakfast, milkshakes (not containing bits or pieces of anything), protein drinks, yogurts, well-blended smoothies, broth-based soups.
  • Remain on a SOFT diet for 1 month. Do NOT eat anything that requires you to chew or anything that is crunchy, crispy, or fried. Choices include: eggs with cheese, baked/mashed/stewed/soup potatoes, boiled or grilled fish, ice cream, pudding, Jell-O, soups, and overcooked vegetables.
  • Do NOT brush implant placement area for 3 days.
  • Brush the rest of your teeth with NO toothpaste for 3 days.
  • Day 4 until healing complete, you can brush implant area with RED brush only and NO toothpaste.
  • Day 4 until healing complete, you can use very small amount of toothpaste and a soft bristle toothbrush for rest of your teeth.
  • Do NOT use any mouthwash/rinses until the doctor says it is ok.
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