Post-operative Instructions
These instructions apply to the surgical procedure just completed. They are designed to help you minimize post-surgical discomfort and inform you of any situation that may require special attention.
Pain Medications
It is not unusual to have discomfort for at least the first week following your surgical procedure. You will be given a prescription for medication to help you tolerate the post-surgical recovery period. Please take your medications as directed. It is not advisable to take pain medication on an empty stomach, as nausea may result.
Antibiotics
Please alert the office to any allergies or sensitivities that you might have to antibiotics. An antibiotic may be prescribed following your surgical procedure. Take as directed until gone. It is advisable not to take these medications on an empty stomach, as nausea may result. For women taking birth control pills, be advised that antibiotics may interfere with their effectiveness.
Swelling
Swelling may occur following your surgical procedure and will typically peak on the third day after the procedure. To minimize the swelling, place an ice pack over the outside cheek area for 10 minutes on and at least 10 minutes off. Continue using ice for 24 hours following the procedure as often as possible.
Bleeding
A small amount of bleeding is normal. If excessive or continuous bleeding occurs:
- Do not rinse your mouth.
- Elevate your head when lying down.
- Apply moistened gauze to the immediate area with moderate pressure for 30 minutes; repeat if necessary.
- Enclose a moistened tea bag in a gauze square and apply pressure for 30 minutes.
- Call the office if bleeding persists.
Dressing
Sometimes a dressing with a consistency similar to play-dough is used to cover the surgical area. The purpose of this dressing is to protect the surgical area from trauma from eating. Usually a dressing is removed at a post-operative appointment, but it may fall off early. It’s okay if the dressing doesn’t last until your post-operative appointment.
Diet
Until your post-operative appointment, avoid chewing on the side where surgery was completed. Avoid hot foods and liquids until the freezing has worn off. Remember, adequate nutrition is essential for feeling better as well as for healing.
Smoking
Do not smoke for at least 2 weeks following your surgical procedure. It will significantly slow healing and can compromise results.
Alcohol
Do not drink alcohol while taking prescription medications.
Rinsing
Do not rinse for the first 24 hours. After that you may rinse with the prescription mouthwash prescribed or with salt water.
Brushing
Do not brush the surgical site until after your post operative appointment. You may resume normal brushing/flossing in other areas of the mouth.
Suture Removal
You may notice increased discomfort 3-4 days after the surgical procedure. As the tissues begin to heal, they may pull against the sutures and dressing. You may choose to take some form of pain medication one hour prior to your suture removal appointment to minimize tenderness. If you are a patient for whom antibiotic pre-medication is required, take the prescribed antibiotics 1 hour prior to your suture removal appointment.
Contact Us
Should you have any questions or concerns during regular office hours, please do not hesitate to contact us at Saskatoon Perio Phone Number (306) 477-3746.