Surgical Instructions

Post operative care is very important. Unnecessary pain and complications can be minimized if the instructions are followed carefully.

  

Surgical Instructions Video Transcript

[00:05]  Hello, my name is Stephanie and I’m the practice manager here at Randolph Center for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, PA. Please watch this short video to learn about important instructions and information about proper care following your procedure.

[00:15]  For the first 30 minutes, keep the gauze that was placed over the surgical site and then gently remove it, if there is still active bleeding, replace it with a fresh rolled-up gauze and bite down gently but firmly for another 30 to 45 minutes. Make sure the gauze is over the surgical site and not just held between the teeth. This helps a blood clot to form in the socket. Repeat every 30 to 45 min as necessary until bleeding is minimal.

[00:41]  You may see blood in saliva for a day or two; this is normal and there’s no cause for alarm. If bleeding persists, keep in mind some bleeding is normal after surgery. If bleeding persists in spite of following these instructions, try to keep the head elevated and roll a moist tea bag and a piece of gauze, place it over the socket and bite down gently undisturbed for 30 to 45 minutes. If bleeding continues to persist, please call the office in which you were seen.

[01:09]  Most oral surgery is accompanied by some degree of discomfort. If prescriptions were issued use according to the directions.

[01:18]  You may eat as soon as possible when you get home, very carefully, if an area of the mouth is still numb. Drink plenty of fluids and maintain good nutrition with soft foods such as scrambled eggs, yogurt, soups, applesauce, and anything pureed for the first two to three days. It is best to avoid very hot foods and crunchy foods, like nuts or chips, for several days as these may get lodged in the sockets.

[01:43]  Please refrain from spitting and using straws for five days. Smoking also causes irritation and delays in normal healing and should also be avoided. Post-op’ swelling is a normal part of healing and if significant, tends to peak two days after surgery. If you are instructed to apply ice to your cheek, apply for 20 minutes for the 20 minute break and repeat for the first 24-48 hours only but, do not apply ice while sleeping. Propping yourself up with a few pillows for the first two nights may also help reduce facial swelling. Applying ice beyond the recommended time could delay normal healing.

[02:22]  Do not brush your teeth or rinse your mouth for the first 12 hours. Thereafter you may brush in the non-surgical area and rinse your mouth gently four times a day, after meals and at bedtime for one week. A traditional rinse is a salt water solution that contains 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water but, the cleansing is more important than the agent used.

[02:46]  Healing can be delayed if the blood clot filling the socket dissolves or is washed away, exposing the bone. This may lead to a constant deep or throbbing pain which can easily be treated with a medicated dressing. Dry sockets generally occur three to five days after an extraction. If you suspect you have a dry socket, call the office so that we may assist you.

[03:09]  Occasionally after surgery small edges of bone may become exposed usually they are unattached. If these occur please call the office in which you were seen and make an appointment for their simple removal.

[03:23]  If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to call the office in which you are seen.

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