Post-Operative Instructions

The following is a list of general post-operative instructions following oral surgery.  A more complete set of instructions specific to procedure(s) preformed will be provided to you.

These general instructions are designed to minimize your post-operative discomfort and inform you of situations which can arise.

• DO rinse, only lightly, for at least 48 hours.
• DO NOT rinse aggressively for seven days following a bone graft surgery.
• DO NOT over exercise.  The heart rate will increase and thus bleeding will increase.
• DO NOT Smoke or use chewing tobacco for 72 hours!!!

Remember P.I.E.R.

• Pressure; light pressure on the area of bleeding.
• Ice; cold compresses on the area.
• Elevation; elevate your head whenever you lie down.
• Rest; and plenty of it.

Post-Operative Medication

• If an antibiotic is prescribed during treatment, you should take the medication exactly as directed on the prescription to completion.

If you were sedated for surgery:

• DO NOT drive or operate heavy equipment.
• DO NOT work around machinery.
• DO NOT climb ladders or work at unsafe heights for 24 hours or until the effects of sedation have gone.
• DO NOT consume alcoholic beverages until the healing process is complete or while you are using medication.
• DO NOT exceed the prescribed or recommended dosage.  Take medication only as directed on the prescription.
• DO NOT give out any of your medication to ANY other individual.
• DO NOT leave your medication exposed and available to children.
• DO Notify the doctor if you have any symptoms which may be related to an allergic reaction.

Tooth Extractions

• DO NOT take in liquids through a straw.
• DO NOT smoke or use spit tobacco.
• DO NOT rinse or spit aggressively for 48 hours.
• DO bite with light pressure on the gauze pack that has been placed over the surgical site.
• DO remember Swelling is to be expected.
• DO follow general instructions.

Notify the office if:

• Bleeding has not decreased after three days.
• Pain increases after several days.
• If your medications do not relieve your discomfort.
• Numbness persists after initial day of surgery.

Immediate Dentures

• DO leave dentures in place until your next appointment.
• DO take prescription(s) as directed.
• DO rinse with 50% diluted mouthwash and cold water every hour the first day.
• DO brush the dentures while in the mouth with a soft tooth brush.
• DO eat a soft protein diet.
• DO expect swelling.
• DO NOT smoke or use chewing tobacco.
• DO NOT take liquids through a straw.
• DO NOT use any adhesives until the next appointment.

Notify the office if:

• Medication does not relieve discomfort.
• Bleeding has not decreased after three days.
• Numbness persists after initial day of surgery.

Expect:

• Dentures to get loose.
• Normal soft tissue healing will take up to six months.
• Most dentures will need to be realigned after six months, this fee is not included in the price of the immediate dentures.

Endosteal Implant

• DO remember sensitivity to cold on the natural teeth can occur and will disappear gradually.
• DO avoid ice, ice cream, cold drinks, and solids, if they are causing discomfort.
• DO keep in mind swelling is to be expected.  Some bruising may occur.
• DO NOT eat sticky or hard foods.
• DO NOT apply pressure to the implant with your tongue or fingers.

Notify the office if:

• Numbness persists after initial day of surgery.
• Bleeding has not decreased after three days.
• The temporary becomes loose or fractures.
• Pain increases after several days.
• The implant becomes loose.

Bone Graft

• DO NOT rinse or spit aggressively for seven days.
• DO NOT apply pressure with your tongue or fingers.  The material is moveable during the initial healing.
• DO NOT lift or pull on the lip to look at sutures (stitches). This can cause undue pressure and tear the stitches.
• DO expect to find small granules in your mouth for the first several days.

Notify the office if:

• A suture falls out within the first three days.
• If a bandage that has been placed should loosen within the first three days.
• If a large amount of granules are loose from the surgical site.
• If your medications do not relieve your discomfort.

Sinus Elevation

• DO NOT blow your nose or “sniff” for two weeks following surgery.
• DO NOT go swimming or sit in a hot tub for two weeks following surgery.
• DO NOT smoke or use spit tobacco.
• DO NOT take in liquids through a straw.
• DO NOT lift or pull on lip to look at sutures (stitches).
• DO sneeze with your mouth open to avoid any unnecessary pressure in the sinus area.
• DO take your medication as directed, including the use of nasal spray.
• DO keep in mind you may be aware of small granules in your mouth for the next few days.  This is not unusual.

Notify the office if:

• You feel granules in your nose.
• Your medications do not relieve your discomfort

PLEASE NOTIFY THE OFFICE IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.  USUALLY A SIMPLE EXPLANATION CAN RESOLVE THE SITUATION AND FREE YOU OF WORRY.