|
|
|
|
|
|
1. PAIN
|
|
A certain amount of pain following surgery is to be
expected. For persistent pain use the medication prescribed. Always take
pain medication with food.
|
|
2. BLEEDING
|
|
Some bleeding is
to be expected. The gauze pad that was placed over the operated area should
be removed 1/2 hour after surgery.
|
|
If slight bleeding continues, it usually can be
controlled by simple pressure for 1 hour. Use a wad of gauze or cotton
large enough so that pressure is applied when biting down; hold for 1
hour. Repeat if necessary.
|
|
|
If bleeding continues after the above measures, soak a
tea bag then wrap it in gauze, place it firmly in the area of bleeding.
On top of this, place a gauze or cotton and apply pressure by closing the
teeth together. Do not become excited, but lie down with the head
elevated on three pillows. Apply an ice bag to the cheek. Avoid hot
liquids.
|
If unable to control excessive bleeding or swelling, call your oral surgeon's
office.
|
|
3. RINSING
|
|
DO NOT rinse, spit, smoke or suck through a straw until the next morning. These activities may dislodge the blood clot, start bleeding, and delay healing. If you are unable to rinse the food particles out of the wound, stop in the office for a syringe. Begin brushing-thoroughly after meals, the next day.
*DO NOT RINSE WITH PEROXIDE*
|
|
4. SWELLING
|
|
To limit swelling, place an ice pack to the face for the
first 24 hours. Apply for 20 minutes out of each 1/2 hour. Also sit with
your head elevated and sleep with three pillows. The swelling will normally
increase until the second or third post-operative day, and then begin to
gradually subside. Do not use ice for more than two days.
|
|
5. DIET
|
|
Do not chew solid foods while you are still numb. Eat
light, soft foods, with as much fluid intake as possible. As soon as
possible, change to solid foods. You will feel better, have more strength,
less pain - and heal faster- if you continue to eat.
|
|
6. STITCHES (sutures)
|
|
Dissolvable stitches are used unless otherwise noted,
and they normally fall out by themselves in 4-10 days.
|
|
7. TREATMENT
|
|
Return to this office for post-operative treatment if so
instructed.
|
Several possible effects may occur
following oral surgery:
|
|
|
1.
|
Slight bleeding - control as noted.
|
|
|
|
2.
|
Swelling - may be quite large for 3-5 days; control as
noted.
|
|
|
|
3.
|
There may be a slight elevation of temperature for 24 to
48 hours. If a temperature continues, please notify this office.
|
|
|
|
4.
|
There may be a slight earache.
|
|
|
|
5.
|
If the corners of your mouth are stretched, they may dry
out and crack temporarily. Your lips should be kept moist with a cream or
ointment such as Vaseline or Neosporin.
|
|
|
|
6.
|
Numbness (paresthesia) may persist around the lower lip
on the same side as the operation. This is usually a temporary condition
and will gradually disappear in a few days to several weeks as nerve tissue
is repaired and regenerated.
|
|
|
|
7.
|
Black and blue discoloration may occur on the outside of
the face near the area of surgery. This is not unusual, and may take a week
or more to resolve.
|
|
|
|
8.
|
Your other teeth may ache temporarily. This is called
sympathetic pain and is a temporary condition.
|
|
|
|
9.
|
Stiffness of the jaw - chewing gum at intervals will
help relax the tension and bring relief.
|
|
|
|
10.
|
There may be a cavity where the tooth is removed. This
area should be rinsed following meals, and will gradually fill in with bone
and new tissue. As healing progresses, small sharp bony fragments may work
up through the tissue. If they become annoying return to the office for
removal.
|
|
|
|
11.
|
The area where the I.V. was inserted to put you to sleep
may become red and painful. This is temporary, but call the office for
instructions on how to manage this condition.
|
|
|
|
