N. Terry Fayad, D.M.D., P.C.
80 Lindall Street, Suite # 9
Danvers, MA 01923
(978)539-8932
Post-Operative Instructions after Oral Surgery
TODAY:
1. Immediately after surgery, place the ice-pack to your cheek in the area of surgery. Ice is most effective if placed on the cheek for 20 minutes then removed for 20 minutes. Continue for the first 24 hours.
2. Start pain relievers BEFORE your anesthesia wears off. (30-60 minutes after your appointment).
You may be given anon-narcoticpain medication (Motrin 800mg) and/or a narcotic pain medication: VicodinES or Percocet. FOR SEVERE PAIN, non-narcotic and narcotic pain medication can be taken simultaneously.We recommend Advil (400 mg) PLUS Tylenol 500 mg every 4 to 6 hours for the first 2-3 days. If allergic to aspirin or Advil, then the next best choice is Tylenol 500-1000 mg every six hours OR if allergic to Tylenol take Advil. Do not take more than 2400 mg of Ibuprofen and Tylenol 3000 mg per day.
AVOID, driving, heavy activity or drinking alcohol if given prescription pain pills that contain narcotics.
3. Drink plenty of liquids and eat cool or luke-warm foods that can be easily chewed.
AVOID foods or activities that create suction in the mouth (Straws, rinsing, spitting etc).
AVOID temperature hot foods (coffee, tea, soup). Let them cool before eating/drinking today. Most people find cool, soft foods (ice cream, yogurt) soothing the day of surgery.
AVOID foods with a sharp edge (chips, crackers, toast etc.) for 4-5 days.
AVOID smoking for 24 hours.
4. If bleeding begins at home, bite on moistened gauze or a moistened tea bag for 15 minutes. Change at15 minuteintervals until the bleeding stops. If after 3-4 changes the bleeding does not decrease, reposition the gauze so MORE PRESSUREis against the surgery site. If you continue to have prolonged bleeding, call the office. NOTE: It is normal to have a small amount of blood in the saliva for 2 days after the surgery. (At night sleep on an old pillow case or towel.)
TOMORROW:
1. Place moist heat on the surgical site for swelling. (Place aface towel in hot but not scalding water or a hot water bottle) Postoperative swelling peaks 48 hours after a procedure.
2. Rinse with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8oz of water) after eating or at least four times a day for one week.
3. Brush your teeth gently with a soft bristle brush. Avoid the area of surgery.
BRUISING: Bruising after surgery is a normal response and is no cause for alarm. It will improve in 7-14 days.
STIFFNESS: Some jaw muscle stiffness is common, especially after longer procedures. This is normal and will improve in 5-10 days. Moist heat and Ibuprofen will help relieve some of these symptoms.
STITCHES: Some of our stitches dissolve on there own and will not have to be removed. The stitches will fall out within the week (Some may even come out the same day). Swallowing the stitches is no cause for alarm. Never pull at loose stitches-cut a loose stitch at the gum line. Some stitches may last 2 weeks, depending on the type used.
NOTE:It is normal for pain and swelling to increase each day for the first 4-5 days. Other normal temporary symptoms you might notice are sore throat, minor ear ache, lip numbness, pain in the adjacent teeth, cracked lips and a slight temperature elevation. (24-48 hours). WHAT TO WATCH FOR:Excessive swelling, redness and/or high temperature. This may be a sign of an infection.
If left untreated, it could turn into a life threatening swelling.
If unsure about what you are feeling or seeing, please call the office: (978)539-8932