Keys to a Speedy Recovery
- Use ice packs on the operated area (externally) for the first 6 hours—applying it in intervals of 30 minutes on, then 15 minutes off.
- For severe pain use the medication prescribed to you.
Do not take your pain medication on an empty stomach, as it can occasionally cause nausea or dizziness. If such symptoms develop, stop taking the pain medication and attempt to switch to an over-the-counter alternative. Ask your pharmacist for assistance. - Be sure to take, as directed, any post-operative antibiotics prescribed to you.
This is to prevent infection. - Upon arriving home, you may resume a diet of soft foods and plenty of fluids.
Foods such as Jell-O, soup, mashed potatoes, pudding, ice cream and yogurt are all acceptable to eat. On the day after your surgery, ease into a regular diet. Eat only foods that do not cause you discomfort. - The mouth should not be rinsed during the first day of surgery,
so that the blood clot is given time to form and stabilize. Starting 24 hours after surgery, the mouth should be rinsed gently with warm salt water, following meals. Use a half teaspoonful of salt in a glass of water. If on a salt-restricted diet, just use plain warm water. - 24 hours after surgery, the mouth should be cleaned and the teeth brushed as usual.
It is important to maintain these habits of oral hygiene, so the area may heal well and not become infected.
NOTE: For the first 24 hours after surgery:
- Do NOT rinse
- Do NOT spit
- Do NOT brush
- Do NOT drink carbonated beverages
- Do NOT use straws
- Do NOT use tobacco products (either smoking or chewing)
Some oozing of blood may continue for 24 to 36 hours after surgery. However, if there is more than oozing, the following procedure will help control it:
- Place a clean, folded gauze pad over the bleeding source and bite down.
- Maintain pressure that way for 30 minutes, and repeat if necessary.
- If bleeding persists, please call.
- Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery.
If you are considering exercise, throbbing or bleeding may occur. If it does, you should discontinue exercising.
Keep in mind, because your eating is not normal, you are probably not taking normal nourishment. This may weaken you and further limit your ability to exercise. - Return to the Oral Surgery Office for treatment or suture removal, if you were instructed to do so.
- And, as always, contact us if you do not feel you are doing OK.
