Post-Op Instructions
DISCOMFORT
Some discomfort should be expected following dental surgery
such as teeth extractions, bone grafts, dental implants, gum grafts, and gum
surgery. Usually, the soreness or pain is located in the surgical area or jaw joint on either side of the mouth.
We are commonly prescribing Advil/Ibuprofen 800mg if you are able to take it. The recommended dose is 800 mg three times a day. A common way to enhance the effectiveness of Ibuprofen/Advil is to combine it with Acetaminophen (Over The Counter).
Take the prescribed medication(s) immediately after the appointment
before the anesthetic wears off and then the same dosage at the time of
intervals instructed.
Advil/Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory and should be taken to reduce swelling and bruising, even if only mild discomfort occurs. It is recommended to take the medication
at the instructed intervals for the first 2 days following the surgical procedure and then as needed for the following days. Drink an entire glass (8 oz) of water with the medication each time to avoid stomach upset and to keep hydrated.
In the unlikely event that you need stronger pain control, a prescription will be provided. Such a prescription medicine for pain may make you lightheaded and slow your reactions; therefore, driving and hazardous machinery should be avoided.
AVOID ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES WHILE TAKING MEDICATION.
ANTIBIOTICS
Antibiotics may be prescribed for you. Antibiotics are
prescribed to prevent post-operative infections that can occur and have the
potential to jeopardize your well-being and the outcome of the procedure. In
many surgical procedures, we are instructing patients to take the first dose prior
to the procedure in order for the medication to be in the bloodstream during the
procedure. Take the prescribed medication until is gone.
ANTIBIOTICS WILL INTERFERE WITH ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES/ BIRTH CONTROL PILLS. Consult with your doctor if this pertains to you.
Take all other medications you would normally take as prescribed unless specifically instructed not to. Probiotics may help reduce some of the side effects of antibiotics. It is recommended to take probiotics 2 hours following your scheduled antibiotic dose. A commonly prescribed antibiotic, Amoxicillin can be taken following meals, and this may help reduce stomach issues. However, other antibiotics such as tetracyclines should be taken on an empty stomach.
Always follow the direction on the prescription label.
BLEEDING
Any major bleeding will be stopped prior to your dismissal from our office and you will
be supplied with gauze in your post-op bag from our office. It is normal though
to have oozing from the surgical area after the procedure for up to 24 hours.
Avoid excess pressure in your mouth (i.e. using a straw, spitting, the excessive swishing of fluids).
If bleeding persists place steady pressure with a piece of moist gauze or a tea bag over
the area for 10-20 minutes.
If the bleeding still continues, please call our office. 954-525-6010
SWELLING
Mild to more significant swelling can occur after the procedure.
This may increase for up to 3-5 days and may be worse in the morning. Bruising can also occur. To decrease swelling, place an ice pack over the surgical area immediately, 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, for at least 6-8 hours following surgery (24 hours preferably).
Do not apply heat as that may increase swelling.
SUTURES
Generally, we use long-term absorbable sutures to hold the tissue in place and encourage clot formation. These, however, may need to be removed 1-2 weeks following the procedure. Avoid touching the sutures until absorbed or removed.
ICE
To decrease swelling, place an ice pack over the surgical area immediately, 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, for at least 6-8 hours following surgery (24 hours preferably).
Do not apply heat as that may increase swelling.
DIET AND ORAL HYGIENE
Use caution until the anesthetic wears off. Follow a soft diet and plenty of liquids for the next 3-4 days. Non-carbonated beverages such as water, sports drinks, protein shakes are ideal. If possible, chew on the opposite side of the surgical area for the first week or two. Avoid sharp, hard foods like nuts, chips or popcorn.
Proper healing requires adequate nutrition and extra rest. Use the provided mouth rinse 2-3 times a day starting the day after the surgery. Gently rinse with the provided rinse and do not swish and spit vigorously. Warm salt water will also aid in healing and can be used beginning
24 hours after surgery.
Brush and floss as usual on all areas except the area of the surgery until directed to do so.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Avoid strenuous physical activity during your immediate
recovery period, usually 2-3 days. Reducing physical activity helps prevent a rise in blood pressure, reducing bleeding risk.
DO NOT’S
For the next several days, DO NOT spit, smoke, rinse hard,
drink through a straw, create a “sucking” action in your mouth, drink carbonated soda, or use an oral irrigating device.
DO NOT attempt to look at the surgical area during the first two weeks as doing so may cause the sutures to rip and open the surgical area up, possibly causing the need for the surgery to be repeated. The best rule is to leave the surgical site alone as much as
possible; it will heal better.
SMOKING
All smoking should be stopped until after your sutures have
been removed to ensure the best healing and success of your surgical procedure. Healing results and treatment outcomes are significantly worse in smokers than in non-smokers.
ALCOHOL
All intake of alcohol should be stopped until after your sutures have been removed and minimized for the next several weeks after suture removal to enhance healing. The combination of alcohol and certain pain medications is not recommended.