Bleeding
A certain amount of bleeding is to be expected following surgery. Slight bleeding, oozing, or redness in the saliva is not uncommon. Excessive bleeding may be controlled by first rinsing or wiping any old clots from your mouth, then placing a gauze pad over the area and biting firmly for thirty minutes. Repeat if necessary. If bleeding continues, bite on a moistened caffeinated tea bag (non herbal) for thirty minutes. The tannic acid in the tea bag helps to form a clot by contracting bleeding vessels. To minimize further bleeding, do not become excited, sit upright, and avoid exercise. If bleeding does not subside, call the office for further instructions.
Swelling
The swelling that is normally expected is usually proportional to the surgery involved. Swelling around the mouth, cheeks, eyes and sides of the face is not uncommon. This is the body’s normal reaction to surgery and eventual repair. The swelling may not become apparent until the day following surgery and may not reach its maximum until 2-3 days post-operatively. Swelling may be minimized by the immediate use of ice. A bag filled with ice, ice packs or a bag of frozen peas should be applied to the sides of the face where surgery was performed. The ice packs should be applied twenty minutes on then left off for twenty minutes while you are awake. After 36 hours, ice has no beneficial effect. Keeping your head elevated, either with a few pillows or sleeping in a recliner, will help reduce swelling. Additionally, forty eight hours following surgery, the application of moist heat to the sides of the face is beneficial in reducing the size of the swelling. If swelling or jaw stiffness has persisted for several days, there is no cause for alarm. This may be a normal reaction to surgery. Please contact our office.
Diet
Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot and spicy foods for the first 24 hours. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed. A list of suggested soft foods is contained below in this website.
Pain
You should begin taking pain medication as directed by your doctor. More information about the specific medication your doctor has prescribed is contained below in this website. If you have questions please call the office.
Oral Hygiene
Mouth cleanliness is essential to good healing. Clean your mouth thoroughly after each meal, beginning the day after surgery. Brush your teeth as best as you can, avoiding the surgical site. Rinse with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) six times a day, especially after meals. Continue this procedure until healing is complete. If a special medicated rinse is prescribed, please see the section on PERIDEX.
REMEMBER: A clean wound heals better and faster.
Activity
Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following your surgery, for a minimum of one week. Exercise and excessive strenuous activity may cause bleeding, increased swelling, “dry socket” and delayed healing. Discontinue exercise for one week following surgery or as instructed by your doctor.
