Surgical Post-Op Instructions

Our surgical procedures are performed using local anesthesia and in some cases with the addition of oral sedation. For those patients who receive just local anesthesia, there are usually no restrictions placed after the procedure concerning driving or returning to work. If dental sedation was also employed, the patient will require specific instructions about traveling to and from the appointment.

Please call our office with any questions, concerns, or to let us know if you are experiencing any problems. We are always available to address these issues.

Continue all medications for blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems and any other conditions as recommended by your physician. If there is a question, please call our office prior to your appointment.

• It is common to experience some post-surgical swelling, minor pain, oozing, and/or skin discoloration – this will be temporary. If the surgery was performed in the lower jaw, a tingling of the lower lip is possible due to stretching of the nerve supplying this area.
• To minimize swelling, the use of an ice pack on the face over the surgical area is recommended. The ice pack should be used alternately – 20 minutes on; 20 minutes off, for 6 hours following surgery. Place the ice pack in the freezer during the “off” time.
• To avoid disturbing or pulling out the stitches and the possibility of delaying healing, do not try to lift your lip with your fingers to inspect the area.
• While maintaining proper nourishment is essential, it is important to keep food away from the surgical site. Stick to a soft diet and avoid hot fluids for the first 48 hours. It is possible immediately after a procedure to burn your mouth because it is still numb, or aggravate the operated area. It is also a good idea to steer clear of hard or chewy foods until your next visit.
• Get plenty of rest and ensure normal intake of food, especially liquids such as water, tea, soups and milk. Avoid alcohol or any liquid that bubbles or fizzes such as sodas.
• In terms of your oral hygiene, do not brush teeth in the operated area for 5 days after surgery. Be sure to brush the rest of your teeth. Instead, use the mouthrinse prescription provided.
• Starting tomorrow, use warm salt water rinses (1 teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water) on the treated area under the lip or cheek. This should be done 4 to 5 times a day, allowing for 1 minute of rinsing each time. Continue to rinse for the remainder of the week.
• For pain use over the counter analgesics. If you are able to take aspirin and ibuprofen, we recommend that you take ibuprofen 600mg (with food) every 6 hours for up to 3 days. We recommend breakfast, lunch, dinner, and bedtime. If you cannot take ibuprofen or aspirin, you may substitute acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed. If you have been prescribed a narcotic analgesic that contains Tylenol, you may substitute this medication for the regular Tylenol. Please do not mix the narcotic/Tylenol combo with regular Tylenol.
• The stitches we have placed will dissolve, but it is important that you return for a post-operative visit when instructed.

Please Note: Do not hesitate to call our office at anytime with post-operative questions, concerns, or to let us know if you are experiencing any problems.