Patients who have undergone IV sedation should be carefully attended to by a responsible family member or friend for at least 6 hours after leaving the office. The patient cannot drive for 24 hours or while taking narcotic pain medication.
Discomfort after oral surgery is normal. To best manage your discomfort, please take the prescribed pain medications on schedule per the directions provided. Staying on top of a regular schedule will best minimize discomfort after oral surgery. If you are still experiencing significant discomfort despite the medications, please contact our office.
Bleeding follows any surgical procedure and should not alarm you unless it is excessive or persistent. To control bleeding, we will place a gauze dressing over the extraction site(s) and have the patient apply firm pressure. This pressure will stop the bleeding.
These are normal parts of the healing process and, unless extreme, are of no significant concern. Early application of ice can be helpful in decreasing the amount of swelling, which peaks 72 hours after surgery. Place an ice pack to the surgery side of your face in 20-minute intervals for the first 24–36 hours as you feel up to it. (You do not need to do this overnight.) Keep your head elevated on additional pillows. This will also help to reduce the severity of swelling. If at any time you have concerns, please contact our office.
It is important to keep your mouth clean to reduce the risk of infection. Beginning the day after surgery, you can brush your teeth normally. If it is uncomfortable near the extraction site, use a dampened Q-tip® or gauze to wipe down the surgical site and adjacent teeth.
For your comfort, start with clear, cool liquids after surgery. Your diet can advance as you feel up to it once the numbness wears off. Do not use a straw or drink carbonated beverages, and avoid alcohol for at least the first 3 days after surgery.
Please avoid all tobacco products for the first 72 hours after surgery. Nicotine adversely affects normal healing and increases your likelihood of developing a dry socket.
CALL THIS OFFICE REGARDING ANY CONCERN OR COMPLICATION. These can include but are not limited to a fever over 101.3 degrees F, discomfort not controlled by prescribed pain medications, prolonged or excessive bleeding, or excessive swelling.
It is our desire that your recovery is as smooth and pleasant as possible. Following these instructions will assist you, but if you have questions about your progress, please call our office.