Patient Instructions

Post-op Instructions

Care of the Mouth after Extractions, Implants and Other Surgical Procedures

Please Read These Instructions Carefully and Follow Them Closely

Thank you for putting your trust in us and allowing us to perform your complex dental procedure. It is our desire to help you through the healing period with as little discomfort as possible.

1. Bleeding
Some bleeding is to be expected on the first or second day following the surgical procedure. Blood may ooze and mix with saliva and look like a lot of bleeding. It is not. It is important not to spit or rinse the day of surgery.

To help control bleeding keep a wet gauze pad over the area with biting pressure. Change the gauze pad every 30 minutes until there are no signs of bleeding.

2. Rinsing
On the day following surgery, gently rinse your mouth with 2 teaspoons of baking soda dissolved in a glass of warm water. You may also use Peridex mouthwash dissolved in warm water. Repeat this up to 5 times a day. Resume brushing your teeth the day after surgery with your toothbrush or with a Sonicare electric toothbrush. Be careful in the area of the operation.

3. Swelling
Swelling around the surgical area may follow certain procedures. This is the body's normal reaction. Apply ice to the area on and off for the first 24 hours. Ice can also be applied by sucking on some ice chips 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off for the first 24 hours.

4. Trismus
Trismus is muscle stiffness and soreness that limits movement of the jaw. It can be minimized by gently stretching your mouth every hour or so-trying to open a little further each time. You can begin opening and closing 2 hours after surgery.

5. Diet and Rest
Rest and nourishment are essential for normal healing. Avoid all strenuous activity for the first day. Elevate your head on two pillows when lying down. Drink plenty of liquids; eat a soft diet at first and more solid food as tolerated. Avoid chewing in the surgical area. Small but frequent meals may be easier to handle than a few larger meals. Since you will be taking medication it is very important that you eat to prevent nausea. Avoid smoking for one week. No alcoholic beverages while on medications.

6. Nausea
Some patients may experience nausea or vomiting following surgery. This may be due to taking medications on an empty stomach or a normal reaction to the anesthetics used during surgery. Drinking small amounts of ginger ale or cola can be helpful.

7. Pain Control
For mild discomfort take the usual dosage of over-the-counter pain medication. For more severe pain take the prescribed medication following the directions on the label. Take all medications with food unless instructed otherwise.

8. Skin Discoloration
Some black and blue skin discoloration at the surgical site may occur. This is a normal reaction and will resolve of its own accord in a week or so.

9. Stitches
Dissolving sutures have been placed to minimize postoperative discomfort. Please do not forcefully pull your lips or cheeks away to inspect the surgical site.

10. Parasthesia
Occasionally after extractions of lower teeth, some numbness of the lower jaw or tongue may occur for a variable period of time. This almost always disappears over time.

11. Additional Information
Patients with intravenous sedation should avoid driving for 24 hours.

3 to 5 days following an extraction you may develop a bad taste, sore throat, earache, and/or severe pain. If these symptoms continue for more than one day, please notify the office.

Occasionally after oral surgery a tiny bone sliver works its way through the gums. This may cause a sharp sensation at the site of your surgery. If this becomes a problem, please call the office.

Your other teeth may ache temporarily. This is called sympathetic pain and goes away.

If the corners of your mouth are stretched they may dry and crack. Keep your lips moist with Vaseline or ointment.

You may have a slight elevation of temperature for 24 to 48 hours. This is especially true if there was infection present. If the temperature continues, notify the office.

12. Soft Diet Suggestions
Eggs, Yogurt, Fruit Juices, Apple Sauce, Pastina, Mashed Potatoes, Cottage Cheese, Pancakes, Broiled Fish, Jell-O, Bananas, Pudding, Tuna, Oatmeal.

Thank you for letting us be of service to you and your family.
PLEASE CALL WITH ANY CONCERNS OR QUESTIONS. 732-922-2255