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.

Dr. Andy Maples of West Lake Dental

West Lake Dental

At West Lake Dental in Loveland, CO, Andy Maples, DDS, and his team provide excellent dental care to patients of all ages. Whether your dental needs are routine or advanced, we can serve you at our comfortable, inviting office. Dr. Maples is affiliated with several prestigious organizations, including:

  • The American Dental Association
  • The Colorado Dental Association
  • The International Congress of Oral Implantology
  • The Misch International Implant Institute

We invite you to schedule an appointment today by calling (970) 669-1444.

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