Post-operative care is very important after any surgery. Unnecessary pain and complications of infection and swelling can be minimized if the instructions are followed carefully.

• A piece of gauze has been placed firmly at the surgery site.  Keep biting pressure on this same piece of gauze for 30 minutes and continue to swallow your saliva like normal.  After 30 minutes, if there is still bleeding, replace the gauze with a new one and apply biting pressure for 30 more minutes.
• Place ICE - or a frozen pea-bag on face / jaw area of surgery on and off today.
• Strictly Soft and Cold diet for the rest of the day. Ice cream, milkshakes and smoothies are great.
• NO use of a straw, for the first day.
• NO spitting, NO rinsing for the rest of the day.
• Rest and take it easy for the next two days. No heavy lifting or sports.
• For 1 week, NO hot, spicy or Crunchy foods.
• NO alcohol, and NO smoking for a week.
• For 1 week, keep food away from the surgical site and
• Rinse with warm salty water after every meal to keep the site clean.
• Brush your teeth like normal. Floss like normal. Be gentle around the surgical site.
• Slight swelling and pain are normal for 1 week following the procedure.
• Vigorous mouth rinsing or touching the wound area following surgery should be avoided. This may initiate bleeding by causing the blood clot that has formed to become dislodged.
• Take the prescribed pain medications right away before you feel discomfort. This will usually coincide with the local anesthetic becoming diminished.
• If you have been placed on antibiotics, take the them  as directed. Antibiotics will be given to help prevent or treat infection. Discontinue antibiotic use in the event of a rash or other unfavorable reaction.
• Nausea and vomiting are common side effect of Oral and IV sedation, and many narcotic pain medications. In the event of nausea and/or vomiting following surgery, stop taking the narcotics.
• Restrict your activities the day of surgery and resume normal activity when you feel comfortable.
• If after 3-4 days your pain becomes worse or you feel a throbbing at the site, you must seek further care from your dentist for treatment.
• More post-operative information can be found at www.surgicalsuites.com
• If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact Dr. Sam or your dental office for further assistance.