Post Op Instructions

Please note that these aftercare instructions serve as general guidelines for after oral surgery care. Our office will provide you with personalized instructions to take home on the day of your procedure.

General Notes:

Remember that pain and swelling worsen over the first 72 hours after surgery with the most pain and swelling occurring on day 3 after the procedure.  After this you should have slow resolution of these symptoms.

Bleeding:

• Gently bite down on the provided gauze pad to help control bleeding. Keep the gauze in place for 30 minutes and then remove it.

• If bleeding persists, replace the gauze with a fresh, clean piece and apply gentle pressure. Bite down for another 30 minutes.

• Avoid rinsing or spitting forcefully, as it may dislodge blood clots. Instead, swallow saliva and allow it to passively drain from your mouth.

Swelling:

• To minimize swelling, apply an ice pack or cold compress to the affected area for 20 minutes on, then 20 minutes off, for the first 24 hours.

• After the first 24 hours, switch to warm compresses to help alleviate swelling.

• Keep your head elevated with extra pillows when lying down to reduce swelling.

Bruising:

• Some bruising around the surgical site is normal and should resolve on its own within a week or two.

• Apply a cold compress to the bruised area for the first 24 hours to help reduce discoloration.

• Avoid applying heat to the bruised area, as it may worsen the discoloration.

• If bruising appears severe or spreads beyond the surgical site, please contact us for further evaluation.

Pain Management:

• Take prescribed pain medications as directed by our surgeon.

• Use over-the-counter pain relievers, such as NSAIDS and Tylenol, may be as recommended by our office depending on your medical history.

• Maintain a soft-food diet for the first few days to minimize discomfort.

• Avoid drinking through a straw, smoking, or consuming hot liquids, as these can irritate the surgical site.

When to Call Us:

• If bleeding continues heavily or becomes uncontrollable.

• If swelling worsens or does not subside after a few days.

• If you experience severe pain that is not relieved by prescribed medication after the first 3-4 days of the procedure.

• If you develop a fever or notice increasing redness, warmth, or pus around the surgical site.

• If you have any concerns or questions about your recovery that need immediate attention.

PLEASE remember to call us with questions earlier in the day because if we need to see you we would like to do so. Also, pharmacies in our area tend to close early so if we need to prescribe additional medication we like to do that early in the day.

We are here to support you throughout your recovery process, so never hesitate to contact us with any concerns or questions.