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Post-Operative Instructions
Mouth surgery is similar to surgery in any other part of the body and requires careful attention to post-operative procedures. Take it easy for the next 12 hours. Be good to yourself, you deserve it!!
Swelling: Place ice packs, 20 minutes on, 10 minutes off, on the area of your face closest to the surgical site(s) for the first 24-48 hours. This will help minimize swelling and discomfort.
Bleeding: Bleeding following surgery is expected. Apply pressure with gauze and maintain for at least 60 minutes. Extra sterile gauze will be provided but refrain from changing too often as this can disrupt the blood clot from forming. Limit activity and exercise 1-4 days post surgery.
Fever: You may experience slight fever or chills. This is normal for the first 24 hours. Contact our office if your fever continues for more than 24 hours or if your temperature exceeds 101 degrees Fahrenheit.
Medications: Please take prescribed medications as directed, your doctor may choose to prescribe an antibiotic. If you are taking an antibiotic finish the entire regime, even if you are feeling fine. Refrain from driving a vehicle or consuming alcohol while on narcotic pain medication.
Oral Hygiene: It is important to keep your mouth clean by rinsing. Sometimes your doctor may prescribe a special rinse. Follow the directions on the bottle. You may gently brush the chewing surfaces in the surgical area however, take special care to avoid brushing and flossing the gum tissues. DO NOT TRY TO SEE THE SURGICAL AREA BY PULLING ON YOUR LIPS. THIS MAY CAUSE EXTENSIVE DAMAGE!
Diet: Do not eat or drink anything hot for 24 hours. Drink plenty of fluids, and unless otherwise specified, continue on a "soft" diet for 6-7 days. Some suggestions: diet supplement drinks, yogurt, pudding, eggs, mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, warm soup, fish and pasta. These are only suggestions, avoid popcorn, spicy, acidic, seedy, nutty and crunchy foods. Please use common sense. Your body needs fuel to heal, if you donŐt want to eat a large meal try several smaller ones. DO NOT DRINK THROUGH A STRAW OR SMOKE FOR 72 HOURS AS THIS MAY DISRUPT THE HEALING PROCESS CAUSING PAIN AND COMPLICATIONS.
Miscellaneous: Pain in the ear, difficulty in swallowing, difficulty in opening and closing the jaw and some bruising of the skin are possible side effects of your surgery. These are normal occurrences and should last no more than a couple of days. If a dressing was placed, it should remain in place for a few days but if it comes out donŐt worry. Your follow-up appointment will be scheduled for 7-10 days following surgery. Sutures will be removed if necessary and the area will be checked to insure proper healing is occurring. This is a very important appointment. Please keep physical activity to a minimum the first 72 hours.
Contacting our office: If you have any concerns or are experiencing pain that is increasing as time goes by, you may contact our office at 773.327.3131. A doctor is on call 24 hours a day to assist you in case of an extreme emergency.
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