Post-Operative Instructions

Anesthetics
While your mouth is numb, be careful not to bite your cheek, lip, or tongue. The majority of the numbness should subside within 12 hours. Drowsiness may persist for several hours following sedation; this is normal. Be aware that pain control prescriptions also cause drowsiness. DO NOT operate any vehicle, device, or machinery for 24 hours or if taking narcotic pain medications. The long acting pain medication, Exparel, will make you partially numb for 2-3 days. If you are experiencing increased pain on day 2 or 3 this is likely because the Exparel is finally wearing off.

Bleeding
Gauze will be placed on the surgical site to decrease bleeding. Make sure the gauze is positioned so that the gauze pressure is actually on the gums and not just between the adjacent teeth. Remain biting on the gauze for 30 minutes. Do not chew on the gauze as this will increase bleeding. Some red in your mouth and soaking the gauze is normal. If concerned, you may replace the gauze once every 30 minutes. Make sure to maintain biting pressure for 30 minutes straight. If the bleeding continues after the above measures, soak a black tea bag then wrap it in gauze and place firmly over the area of bleeding. Apply pressure by closing the teeth together. It is normal to have some blood on your pillow the first several days. Make sure to place a towel over your pillow. Remember that a lot of saliva and a little blood can LOOK like a lot of blood. If you are concerned that you are bleeding too much, call the office. 

Swelling
Facial swelling and bruising is normal following oral surgery. You can help reduce the swelling and pain by applying cold compresses to the face for 20 minutes and 10 minutes off for the first 24 hours. Remember to sit with your head elevated and sleep with 2-3 pillows. After the 3rd day is when swelling usually starts to decline. At this point if there is any residual swelling, apply moist heat compresses to the face.

Rinsing
After 24 hours, it is OK to gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water. You can also brush your teeth. Avoid brushing over the surgical sites for the first 3 days. Gentle rinsing is important after each meal to keep food particles out of the surgical sites.

Diet
To protect the surgical sites, you should only consume soft foods for the first 3 days. Adequate nutrition will help you heal faster. Dehydration is a common complication after surgery, so fluid intake should be increased.

Smoking/Drinking
DO NOT use straws or drink alcoholic beverages for at least 3 days following your surgery. Do not smoke for at least 2 weeks. Smoking will decrease the healing process and is a major cause of dry socket.

Other Possible Side Effects
You may have a slight elevation in temperature for 48 hours. If the temperature continues, contact the office. Your other teeth may ache temporarily. Any stiffness of the jaw can be treated with the use of warm compresses and massage of the jaw. If you are experiencing pain, use the pain medication that was prescribed and keep the area clean. If you were prescribed an antibiotic, take it until you are confident it is healing well. 

Emergency
If following surgery you have questions or concerns, please call the dental office. If it is after hours, call the after hours number. If you are experiencing a true emergency or are unable to reach the above contacts, go to the nearest hospital emergency room for treatment.  

Advisory
If you had sedation for your procedure, it is recommended to have adult supervision for 24 hours.