All patients receive post-op instruction after oral or maxillofacial surgery in Ponte Vedra Beach, Orange Park, Jacksonville Beach, Mandarin, and Jacksonville, FL
After Oral Surgery (General Instructions)
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PATIENTS AFTER SURGERY
You have just had a surgical procedure which requires some personal home care on your part. A certain amount of pain, bleeding, and swelling is to be expected and should not be cause for worry. Everyone in this office is interested in your comfort and speedy recovery. Your cooperation with the following instructions will go a long way toward helping you have a smooth and uneventful post-operative course.
BLEEDING
Mild bleeding is to be expected. TO STOP BLEEDING – place a folded piece of gauze over the surgical area and apply constant pressure by firmly biting for 30 – 45 minutes. Change the gauze as needed until the bleeding stops. It is helpful to remain quiet and restful with your head and shoulders slightly elevated during this time. Bleeding typically stops in 1-2 hours, but do not be alarmed if some minor oozing continues overnight, or if the saliva is pink. AVOID SPITTING AND RINSING FOR THE FIRST 24 HOURS – spitting and rinsing will disrupt the blood clots that cause the bleeding to stop and allow healing to begin. You may see traces of blood for several days, especially following meals. If you become concerned that you seem unable to bring the bleeding under control, do not hesitate to call our office.
PAIN
Post-operative pain of varying degree always follows surgery, and usually begins a few hours after your procedure when the local anesthetic wears off. Be aware that it is not unusual for there to be more discomfort on the second or third day after your surgery than there is on the day of your procedure. Prescription pain medication has been provided for your comfort and should be taken as directed when needed. Do not take pain medications on an empty stomach. Do not drive or operate dangerous machinery while taking prescription pain medication.
DO NOT SMOKE FOR AT LEAST 4 DAYS FOLLOWING SURGERY. SMOKING WILL DELAY NORMAL HEALING AND INCREASE THE INTENSITY AND DURATION OF YOUR POST-OPERATIVE PAIN.
SWELLING
Swelling may occur and increase following surgery for two to three days, depending on the procedure. TO CONTROL SWELLING – Apply an ice pack (e.g. – crushed ice in a zip-lock baggie, or a bag of frozen peas) to the outside of the face over the area(s) of surgery continuously for the first 24 hours to help minimize swelling. Keep your head and shoulders slightly elevated for the first two days when awake and at night by sleeping on an additional pillow. Swelling will normally reach its peak 2 – 3 days following surgery. Moist heat compresses applied to the face beginning on the fourth day after surgery (but not sooner!) will help dissipate any swelling that has occurred.
NAUSEA
Nausea may occur following oral surgery due to the anesthetics used, medications taken, blood swallowed, or anxiety. Nausea is usually self-limiting and typically does not extend beyond the first post-operative day. Do not take medications on an empty stomach. Clear liquids and crackers may be better tolerated until nausea subsides. Coca-Cola (stirred to eliminate the fizz) is known to be effective in settling a nauseous stomach. Occasionally, anti-nausea medications may be prescribed for the patient with continuous post-op nausea.
ORAL HYGIENE
It is necessary to keep your mouth clean following oral surgery, but care should be taken to not aggravate the healing areas. AVOID SPITTING AND RINSING FOR THE FIRST 24 HOURS. Gentle rinsing can begin on the day after surgery, especially after meals. Gentle tooth brushing can be done on areas away from the surgical sites.
DIET
Good nutrition is essential for healing after surgery, and eating frequent small meals is better tolerated than eating large meals. Be sure to aggressively re-hydrate by drinking plenty of fluids in the first 24 hours after your surgery. A soft diet (mashed potatoes, noodles, etc.) is recommended for the first few days. Avoid hard, crunchy foods (chips, popcorn, etc.) which can injure the healing tissues and get embedded in extraction sockets. AVOID DRINKING THROUGH A STRAW as this may result in disruption of the blood clots that form at the surgical sites and begin the healing process.
ACTIVITY
There are no set rules for post-operative activity, since people recover at different rates from different types of surgery. Use common sense, however, and limit your activity for the first few days following your procedure. Slowly re-introduce yourself to your normal routine of activity as tolerated, being sure to sit down and relax if you feel tired or dizzy. Vigorous exercise, including bending and lifting, should be avoided for several days following any oral surgery.
SALT WATER RINSE
Begin gentle rinsing with warm salt water on the second day after surgery. Mix some salt with slightly warm tap water. Rinse 2-3 times a day for 4-5 days. Start with very gentle rinses, increasing the vigorousness with each day.
SUTURES
Most sutures we place will dissolve and fall out on their own within a week, however, if they become bothersome to you, they can be removed during a post-operative visit at our office.
PLEASE ALLOW A HEALING PERIOD OF AT LEAST TWO WEEKS AFTER YOUR SURGERY PRIOR TO SCHEDULING ANY ADDITIONAL DENTAL WORK.
Our interest in your progress does not cease with the completion of your surgery. We sincerely hope your post-operative course reasonably comfortable and uneventful. Our office cares about you. If there are any questions or concerns, please contact us.
| Southpoint | St. Johns Bluff | Mandarin | Orange Park | Ponte Vedra Beach |
| 737-6733 | 724-5020 | 886-4558 | 276-0200 | 280-4006 |