Surgical Instructions

It is important that our patients are informed during every step of their treatment. We want our patients to be well prepared and have the opportunity to ask questions if desired. The following information is a starting point for researching your procedure, and should assist our patients in developing a list of questions to ask during their consultation.

PAIN

Some degree of discomfort and pain arises as the numbness subsides. We recommend that you start taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory once you arrive home. Advil/Ibuprofen/Motrin/Aleve are such medications and should be taken as directed on the bottle (usually 400 mg every 4-6 hours). If you are unable to take anti-inflammatory medications, take Tylenol or acetaminophen as directed on the bottle (usually 650 mg -1000 mg every 6 hours). If the pain persists, then you may take the prescribed pain medication as directed. All pain medications have the ability to cause nausea and vomiting, so try to have some food in your stomach before you take them.

Do not wait for the pain to become unbearable before using some form of medication because it will be more difficult to control. Moderate to severe pain usually does not last longer than 24 to 72 hours, sometimes peaking on the third postoperative day. Relief should begin on the fourth post-operative day.

BLEEDING

Expect minor bleeding or oozing from the operative site. This bleeding may continue throughout the first day. Keep firm pressure on the surgical site by biting on a gauze sponge for 30 minutes at a time until the bleeding subsides. Once the oozing has slowed, try to avoid placing gauze or any other irritant near the surgical site as this will only lead to continued bleeding and discomfort. Biting on a moist tea bag wrapped in gauze may help control persistent oozing from the site.

If active bleeding should recur at any time, carefully rinse your mouth with cold water and apply a fresh gauze sponge to the bleeding site. Firm pressure for 15 to 30 minutes usually controls the problem. Should active bleeding persist, please call the office and a member of our surgical team will promptly return your call.

THE SURGICAL SITE

The first stages of healing are aided by allowing tissues to rest. Avoid vigorous chewing, excessive spitting, or rinsing for the first 24 hours as initial healing may be delayed, active bleeding restarted, or infection introduced.

Avoid using a straw to ingest liquids as it may cause the blood clot to dislodge and delay healing.
Try to avoid smoking completely, as it tends to slow the healing process and may also contribute to infection and prolonged discomfort.
Do not worry about the stitches if they start to come out. The sutures usually dissolve in 5 to 7 days and typically do not require removal.

SWELLING

Swelling usually develops during the first 12 to 24 hours following surgery, often peaking on the third post-operative day. It should begin to subside by the fourth day after your surgery. Swelling can be minimized by placing an ice pack on the affected side at 30-minute intervals during the first 48 hours after surgery.
Any swelling, soreness, or stiffness in the jaw muscles can be relieved by applying a warm moist towel to the affected side of the face several times a day. Moist heat should be used after the first 48 hours.

ACTIVITY

Limit activity during the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Excessive exertion may lead to postoperative bleeding and discomfort. When you lie down, keep your head elevated at least 45 degrees on a pillow.
Do not drive an automobile for 24 hours following surgery if you have had general anesthesia or if you are taking prescription pain medication.

DIET

Fluid intake is very important. We suggest you start with clear liquid beverages, such as water, ginger ale, 7-Up, or Sprite. You can advance to soft foods and other fluids as tolerated. Avoid hot liquids until the numbness has worn off, and the bleeding has stopped.
Food selection is largely a matter of your choice. Soft, cool foods that require little or no chewing are most easily tolerated.

ORAL HYGIENE

Start cleaning your mouth 24 hours after surgery by using warm salt water rinses (1/4 teaspoon table salt with a small cup of water). Repeat 3 times daily for one week. Brush your teeth starting on the first postoperative day being careful not to irritate the surgical site.

YOUR MEDICATIONS

Take any regularly scheduled medication on your regular schedule unless advised to do otherwise. Patients taking blood-thinners (ie. Coumadin) should restart those medications after surgery unless there is any sign of continued bleeding.