Post-operative Instructions For Any Surgical Procedure
No airplane flights following surgery for 48 hours or as instructed by your surgeon.
Swelling: is a normal postoperative occurrence that can be minimized by applying an ice pack on outside of the face adjacent to surgical area, 20 minutes on, then 20 minutes off for the remainder of the day. Peak swelling occurs at ~2-3 days postoperatively, and typically tapers off starting day 5. The first night, sleep on your back to avoid any pressure on the surgical site and keep head elevated with extra pillows.
Bleeding:
Minor bleeding is normal in first 24 hours. Do not use a straw (if you had an extraction) or rinse vigorously for 24 hours, as this may increase bleeding. If bleeding does not subside, apply direct pressure to surgical area holding a moist tea bag for 15 minutes on the site, remain seated and relax, and bleeding will typically stop. If bleeding does not stop please call the office or emergency numbers.
Infection:
If swelling continues past 72 hours or the area is hot/warm to touch and/or a foul taste in your mouth and you feel that you may have an infection, please call your surgeon ASAP-Do Not Wait!
Sutures:
Do not remove your sutures. Some may come out on their own. Your surgeon will remove those that do not come out on their own.
Bruising:
This is a normal postoperative occurrence. Taking Arnica Montana 30 (pill form, available at Wegman’s-Organic Section) as directed on the container may help decrease the extent of the bruising. You may start this before the procedure if you are concerned about bruising. Bromelain (500mg daily starting the day before or morning of) is another herbal that can dramatically reduce post-operative pain.
Smoking:
NO smoking 1 month before and after the procedure. It is the leading cause of implant and graft failure. If you smoke, you assume the risk of a negative surgical outcome.
Food/Drink:
Do not eat/drink anything hot after surgery until your anesthetic wears off, as you will not feel temperature changes. Keep a soft diet and chew on opposite side of surgery until you are told you can chew on that side again, typically 1 week. Some soft foods are eggs, yogurt, soft cooked vegetables, pasta, soups… Avoid all foods that contain seeds, nuts, or popcorn during healing. If you can hear it, don’t eat it, for 1 wk.
Exercise: No aerobic exercise, strenuous work, lifting, or bending for 24-48 hours after surgery. Exercise raises blood pressure, which increases swelling, bleeding and bruising.
Sensitivity/pain:
Take pain medication as advised, which is generally to take ibuprofen around the clock for the first 48 hrs. If you were instructed to take 600mg ibuprofen, and it is not enough to control your pain, take Tylenol between your ibuprofen doses. Ie, alternate Ibuprofen with Tylenol every 3 hours or so as needed. Some tooth sensitivity in the surgical site may occur and will improve with time. Check with surgeon if sensitivity persists. A desensitizing medication may be needed. Bromelain (500mg daily starting the day before or morning of) is an herbal that can dramatically reduce post-operative pain.
Hygiene:
Do not use an electric or manual toothbrush in the surgical area for at least 2 wks. Gently rinse the surgical area with the prescription rinse as directed. You will be instructed how to clean at your post-op visit and when you can brush your teeth in the affected area (usually 2 wks for brushing and 3 weeks for flossing). Clean all other areas of the mouth normally, as an overall clean mouth heals faster. If you are using chlorhexidine mouth rinse and experience altered taste or brown staining, these are normal side effects and are not permanent. You may switch to Listerine if you wish.
Soft Tissue Grafts:
It is recommended that you eat a soft diet (as above) and do not chew in the surgical area. Do not place your tongue near or on the surgical site/sutures, as this can cause the sutures or the graft to become dislodged and negatively impact the success of the procedure.
Sinus Augmentation, Osteotome or Upper Molar Extractions: IMPORTANT:
Do NOT blow your nose and sneeze for 1 week after your surgery. You may blot your nose with tissue if needed. If you have to sneeze do so with an open mouth to avoid pressure in the sinus. If directed, use Afrin Nasal Spray (12 hour) or Saline Nasal Spray 2 times per day (don’t use more than 3 days) on the side of the surgery. Take Sudafed tablets every 4-6 hours as directed for 3 days post-op if needed.
Implant Surgery:
Your implant has a small metal cap that can become loose at any time after surgery. It typically occurs due to chewing on the implant, which is NOT allowed as it may lead to loss of the implant (this is a No-Chew Zone). If it comes loose please call the office.
Implant Temporary: If you have a removable or fixed temporary you should still NOT chew in that area until instructed to do so (typically 12 weeks). Please chew on the opposite side and avoid any pressure on the implant site. The temporary is only for esthetics and is not for chewing.
