Proper care of the mouth following oral surgery procedures will reduce complications and speed the healing of the surgical area.

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A: DO NOT rinse your mouth vigorously, spit, use a straw or brush your teeth for twenty four hours following surgery as these actions may result in bleeding. Drink plenty of fluids; an adequate intake of liquids is essential at all times. Avoid alcoholic beverages and excessive chewing right after surgery. Soft nutritious foods such as soft boiled eggs, chopped meat, custards, milk and soup may be eaten, without disturbing the blood clot, the first day or two. More solid foods can be added as soon as they can be chewed comfortably. Reduce your physical activity. Avoid strenuous exercise. DO NOT smoke for several days. DO NOT eat peanuts, popcorn, potato chips or similar foods until the socket(s) have healed.
A: Maintain biting pressure on gauze for at least one hour following surgery, then carefully remove. In case of continued or excessive bleeding replace with two fresh, clean 2" X 2" gauze pads folded over twice and firmly bite down. Replace every 1/2 hour or as needed. (If gauze is not available, a moist tea bag can be used to help the clotting process.) Slight oozing will persist for 24 hours or more and should not be cause for undue concern. After several hours, if brisk bleeding persists even though pressure has been applied, consult us for advice and instructions. Keep your head elevated while sleeping or lying down for the first few days after surgery
A: You can expect selling following oral surgery, especially with impacted teeth. An ice pack (or gel pack available from pharmacies) applied as often as possible outside over the affected area(s) for the first 36 - 48 hours will ease the discomfort and help prevent undue swelling. Warm moist compresses should be used after the first 36 - 48 hours to help reduce any persistent swelling. These may be applied continuously or intermittently over several days.
A: Twenty four hours after surgery you should start rinsing your mouth with warm salt water (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water). This should be done several times a day, especially after eating, until healing is complete (1 - 3 weeks). You should brush your teeth as usual, using caution in the operated area(s). Mouth washes may be used, slightly diluted with water, if desired.
A: Aspirin, Tylenol, etc., may be taken for mild pain. When indicated you will be given a prescription for control of more severe pain. An antibiotic may also be prescribed. You should take the pain medication 1 - 2 hours after leaving the office to provide pain relief during the period when the local anesthesia wears off. Thereafter, take the medication only if necessary to control pain. DO NOT take bills more frequently or in larger doses than instructed. DO NOT drive a vehicle, operate machinery, drink alcoholic beverages, or use tranquilizers or sleeping pills while taking the prescribed pain medication. Prescriptions for antibiotics should be taken exactly as instructed until the medication is finished.
Q: Fever
A: An increased temperature of 100 - 101° F is not unusual for a few days following surgery. If after the third postoperative day your swelling increases or your temperature is greater than 100°F please contact our office.
A: Following General Anesthesia or IV Sedation the patient may be drowsy for a number of hours. When leaving the office, the accompanying adult should keep a supportive arm on the patient, and stay with the patient when arriving home. The patient should spend the rest of the day at home, not drive a car or operate any machinery. Nausea and dizziness are occasional symptoms that may occur following General Anesthesia or IV Sedation.
A: In many cases sutures (stitches) are placed. An appointment will be made for suture removal approximately one week later.
A: A 24 hour emergency answering service is provided for you at each office. An oral and Maxillofacial surgeon is on call for after hours emergencies involving severe bleeding or infections. For prescription refills, appointments, or routine questions please call during office hours.
A: Dry socket is an early loss of blood clot and is characterized by the dull throbbing pain which may radiate to the ear. It usually occurs 3 - 4 days following surgery. The socket can be medicated to relieve this pain and it is recommended that you call our office for treatment as needed.
A: Bruising (black and blue or yellow), jaw stiffness, weakness, and headache. Small bone fragments or sharp edges may arise. If troublesome please return to our office for treatment. Occasional numbness of the lip, chin, or tongue may occur, especially after removal of wisdom teeth. This numbness is usually transient and will return in 1 - 6 months.