POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
Although your initial recovery period is over, we have listed a few guidelines for you to follow. If you have any questions or concerns after your procedure please call our office at 513-932-9991.
Activity: If you have been sedated, you should rest and relax with no physical activity and have someone stay with you for the majority of the day after the procedure. Do not drive a car or operate heavy machinery for 24 hours. Physical activity can resume as tolerated after 72 hours, as long as you’re not taking the prescription pain medication.
Bleeding: Bleeding after surgery may continue for several hours. The best way to stop bleeding is to fold 2 pieces of gauze over the extraction site and gently bite for 45-60 minutes, making sure pressure is being applied to the extraction site and your head is kept elevated. If bleeding continues, use gauze for an additional 45 minutes. Bleeding should be evaluated by looking directly at the surgical site. Pink or blood-tinged saliva may be seen for 2-3 days following the surgery and does not indicate a problem.
Swelling: Swelling may be minimized by starting ice packs after the procedure. Apply the ice packs to the outside of the face 20 minutes on and then 20 minutes off. The swelling will not be apparent until the day following surgery and will peak at 2-3 days. After 72 hours, you may begin to use a warm compress to the cheek to help reduce swelling more quickly. After the third day swelling should decrease but may persist for 7-10 days. Steroid dose pack: Some patients may be given a prescription for a steroid dose pack that helps reduce swelling and may minimize the need for the prescription pain medication. Please take until gone, as directed on the package starting the day of the procedure.
Pain: If you are able to take Ibuprofen, begin an Ibuprofen regimen (600-800 mg) while still numb. Continue 600-800mg every 6 hours for the first 72 hours following the procedure to control inflammation and give good baseline pain control. Breakthrough pain in between doses can be managed with Tylenol (if not restricted) OR your prescription pain medication, if one was written. Please be sure to eat prior to taking any pain medication. You may not drive or operate machinery while taking prescription pain medication.
Diet: Soft, cold foods are recommended for the first 24 hours. Avoid hot liquids for 3 days and drinking through a straw or tobacco use for 4 days. Drink plenty of fluids and advance to a soft diet as tolerated.
Mouth Care: If Peridex mouthwash was provided, start using the next morning three times a day until gone. You can start brushing lightly the day of surgery. If given a syringe, begin using it on the fourth day post operatively. Fill the syringe with warm salt water, place tip of the syringe into the site and flush. Use syringe after meals and discontinue when you no longer get debris out of the socket. * salt water can be made using one teaspoon of salt to one cup of warm water *
**If you develop any fever, chills, uncontrolled bleeding or pain, please call the office.