Post-Surgery Instructions
After Surgery
Rest: Please do not over exert yourself for the first 1-2 days after surgery.
Diet: Adequate food and especially fluid intake following surgery is essential for healing. Avoid difficult-to-chew solids and spicy meals for the first two days. You can progress to a regular diet if tolerable after 24 hours. Do not drink alcoholic beverages for 48 hours. DO NOT USE STRAWS. Try not to miss a single meal. You will feel better, have less discomfort and heal faster if you continue to eat and drink.
Pain: There are degrees of discomfort with any surgical procedure. In fact, the second and third post-surgery days are often the most uncomfortable. Please take your medication as instructed with an entire glass of water. If your pain increases after 72 hours, please call us.
Bleeding: Some bleeding for 24-48 hours is expected. If bleeding continues or is excessive, placing direct pressure with gauze over the site is usually successful in stopping it. If not, a moist tea bag may be used instead of the gauze, making sure to apply pressure by biting on it securely. If bleeding continues, please call us. Do not use straws or create negative pressure in your mouth because this may disrupt the clot. Elevate your head with a couple of pillows and remain quiet.
Swelling: Swelling is associated with any surgical procedure. Some people will swell more than others, and some surgical procedures cause more swelling than others. Swelling may last from 5-7 days. Ice packs gently applied to the areas involved for periods of 20 minutes on and 10 minutes off may be of benefit. This procedure should continue for the first 24 hours only. If swelling continues and becomes very firm, tender and hot to the touch, please call us.
Bruising: Discoloration of the skin of the lower jaw, neck and upper chest is not unusual and should not alarm you. This discoloration may last from 7-14 days.
Stiffness: You may experience stiffness of the lower jaw and your arm where the I.V. was placed. The limited opening of your jaw should resolve with exercise. If your arm is tender, place warm moist packs on the area involved and moderately exercise the arm. If you have continued problems, please call us.
Muscle Soreness: If you were given a muscle relaxant as a part of your anesthetic, sore neck, shoulder and chest muscles are common.
Mouth Care: Immediately after surgery, DO NOT rinse for this will disturb your blood clot. Twenty-four hours after surgery, you may begin GENTLY rinsing with warm salt water (1/2 tsp. table salt in coffee cup of warm water) every 4-6 hours and continue this for one week after your surgery. Rinsing and brushing your teeth will decrease the amount of bacteria in your mouth as well as flush food debris from the sockets and, therefore, promote healing.
Nausea: Occasionally, nausea will occur after a general anesthetic and passes within several hours. Nausea which persists could be related to the pain medication or antibiotics. Try to eat when taking your medications. If nausea continues, please call us and we will change your medication or arrange for you to get an anti-nausea medication.
Smoking: Smoking after the extraction of teeth is associated with a higher incidence of dry socket (poor blood clot formation with associated increase in pain). Please refrain from smoking for at least 24 hours.
Fever: There is usually an elevation in temperature for 24-48 hours after oral surgery. If your fever persists above 100°F, please call us.
Antibiotics: If you have been given a prescription for antibiotics, have it filled immediately and take as directed until it is ALL gone. NOTE FOR WOMEN: Antibiotics such as penicillin, erythromycin, etc. and some pain medications may alter the effectiveness of birth control pills. Consult your physician/gynecologist for assistance regarding additional methods of birth control.
Sutures: The majority of times, we use sutures that will dissolve. However, if silk sutures are used, you will be given an appointment for removal.
Emergency Care: If you need us for any reason, please call us at (614) 885-3339. We have a 24-hour answering service that can reach us ASAP.
Special Instructions: Please make sure to call to schedule your 7 to 10 day post-operative appointment.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons receive four to six months of anesthesia training during their hospital residencies – which is more anesthesia education than any type of doctor receives, other than anesthesiologists.
