IMMEDIATELY AFTER SURGERY: Bite on gauze pad for one hour.Change when saturated and keep changing until bleeding stops. Spitting theblood out will only make the bleeding worse.
BLEEDING: Some oozing or bleeding is to be expected, especially for the first 24-48 hours following surgery. Placing gauze or a paper towel that is folded into a square over the area and biting on it firmly for one hour may control it. Repeat if necessary.
DO NOT RINSE YOUR MOUTH TODAY: Starting tomorrow rinse yourmouth gently every 4 hours using one-half teaspoon of salt in a glass of warmwater. Gently swish the rinse in your mouth. Continue the rinses for severaldays.
SWELLING: This is normal after surgery. To reduce the degree of swelling,apply an ice bag to the face fifteen minutes on and five minutes off for 24-48hours. Use a layer of cloth between the ice and face to prevent cold frostbite.Heat should be applied after 48 hours if you are still swollen or bruised.
PAIN: Take the pain medication prescribed as directed. Do not drive or work sixhours after taking prescription pain medication. For mild pain you may take Ibuprofen(Advil or Motrin) or Tylenol. 1-2 tablets.
DIET: No rinsing or spitting the first day. Avoid sucking on a straw. Coolliquids and very soft foods the first day (such as yogurt, soup). Begin a moresubstantial soft food diet the following day and keep your fluid intake up.
ACTIVITY: Refrain from vigorous activity and get plenty of rest for the first24-48 hours after surgery. Minimal lifting, less then 15 lbs., no deep bendingyour head below the waist.
NUMBNESS: Will be present (possibly) after surgery from the local anestheticfor 2-12 hours. If it persists longer, it is usually a temporary condition and will beevaluated when you return.
BONY PROJECTIONS: Small sharp bone fragments may work up through thegums during healing. These are not tooth fragments. If annoying, return to theoffice for their removal.
SMOKING: No smoking for at least 48 hours. This will lessen your likelihood ofdeveloping dry socket. It will also delay healing. Smoking even after 48 hours couldcontribute to slow or improper healing of the surgery site.
BRUSHING YOUR TEETH: Tooth brushing should begin the day after surgery.Carefully avoid the surgical area for one week.
If you have any questions or concerns about your condition, please call our office at 503-370-8778. If it is after hours, you can reach Dr. Zerr or the Doctor on call by calling the office number for further instructions.