Post Operative Surgical Information

  • Rest: Please limit your physical activity. We want your resistance to be as high as possible to encourage rapid healing.
  • Eating: You may eat whatever is comfortable. Avoid food and beverages that are extremely hot for 24 hours. Avoid hard and crunchy foods while the surgical site is healing.
  • Driving: If you have taken a sedative, do not drive a motor vehicle for 24 hours.
  • Smoking: Irritates the oral tissues and inhibits healing.
  • Mouth care: Do not brush the surgery area today; brush all other areas to reduce bacteria and improve comfort. Do not rinse vigorously. Apply Vaseline to the corners of your mouth to prevent cracking and drying if needed. After the first day you may brush and rinse gently.
  • Medication: Advil, Motrin (Ibuprofen) or Tylenol may be taken to minimize discomfort. Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Norco) can be taken with Ibuprofen for more comfort. Antibiotics should be taken for the prescribed number of days. If you develop a rash or hives stop all medications and call the office for further instructions.
  • Ice: Continue to use an ice pack on your face over the area of the surgical procedure for 20 minutes followed by a 10 minute rest. Repeat this on and off cycle all day. This will help contribute to your comfort and minimize swelling.
  • Bleeding: Some slight seepage of blood is normal. Continue to use mild pressure with moist gauze for a minimum of two hours. DO NOT rinse or spit. Later, if bleeding becomes a problem, apply moist gauze with pressure for 15 minutes (time it). If this is not effective, repeat as necessary.