- If you are not having an IV anesthetic (not going to sleep or sedation) you may eat a light meal before your appointment and take your pills at their normally scheduled time.
- If you are having an IV anesthetic (going to sleep or sedation) you cannot have anything to eat or drink for 6 hours prior to surgery, including water. You may brush your teeth before your appointment but do not swallow any water. You may take certain medications with a sip of water as discussed in your pre-surgery consultation.
You must also have someone accompany you to the office, stay at the office, drive you home, and stay with you for 12 hours after this type of anesthesia.
- Please wear short sleeves and remove contact lenses and nose and ear piercings (if possible).
- Avoid cannabis/marijuana for 48 hours prior to surgery.
- Minors must have a legal guardian accompany them to the surgical visit to sign consents.
- If you have an illness such as a cold, sore throat, cough, or fever please contact the office.
Post-Operative (After-Surgery) Instructions For Oral Surgery
Care of the mouth after surgery has an important effect on healing. SWELLING, DISCOMFORT, AND RESTRICTED JAW FUNCTION ARE EXPECTED and shouldn’t cause alarm. These may be minimized by the following instructions:
Control of Bleeding, Oral Hygiene, and Wound Care
Remove gauze pack upon arriving home. Slight bleeding is expected. If bleeding is excessive, place a sterile gauze over the wound and bite gently but firmly for an additional 30 minutes with CONSTANT PRESSURE. Keep your head elevated while resting or sleeping. Do not rub the surgical site or disturb it with your tongue. Avoid spitting which may cause bleeding and delay healing. Do not use a drinking straw. Avoid excessive physical activity.
On the day of surgery, do not rinse your mouth with anything. The day following surgery, the mouth may be rinsed gently with a warm saltwater solution (1 teaspoon of salt in 6-8oz of warm water) after each meal and at bedtime for at least five days. If you have been given an irrigating syringe, gently use that to dislodge food particles in surgical site(s) after each meal and at bed time for at least five days. Do not brush the adjacent teeth or gums in the area of the surgery. If you were prescribed a mouth rinse, use it twice per day as directed on the bottle starting the day after surgery and continue use two weeks or until the bottle is empty. Do not rinse vigorously, as this may disturb the surgical site and delay healing.
Control of Pain and Infection
Over the counter pain medicines like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin) are recommended if appropriate for you for pain control. If you have been given a prescription for medication, please take it as recommended. If you develop hives or a rash, discontinue all medication and immediately call this office. Warning: Do not drive or operate mechanical equipment after taking narcotic pain medication.
Control of Swelling
Some swelling and bruising follows nearly every surgery and will peak in 2-3 days, then slowly resolve over the next week. This swelling/bruising may be quite noticeable and may make it difficult to open your mouth. This does not necessarily mean that there is an infection present. Ice packs are of value during the first 48 hours following surgery (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off). After 48 hours, warm packs 3-4 times a day are beneficial.
Diet
A soft diet is usually recommended for the first few days following surgery. Avoid chewing on the healing site if possible. Increase your fluid intake. Avoid drinking alcohol for the first week. Avoid carbonated beverages for one week (unless nauseated as below). No straws for one week after surgery. A few soft food suggestions: noodles, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, yogurt, soups, ice cream, etc. You may advance your diet to more solid foods as the site(s) begins to feel less tender.
Nausea
A small amount of 7-UP, Sprite, or ginger ale will usually eliminate nausea. Follow this with mild tea or clear soup, etc. If nausea continues, please contact our office.
Smoking
Smokers are advised not to smoke or vape tobacco or cannabis after surgery. Smoking constricts blood vessels and delays bone graft healing.
Activity
Avoid strenuous physical activity for 3-5 days after surgery.
Follow Up Appointment
A follow-up appointment will not likely be necessary. If you have concerns regarding healing, please call the office. The sutures(stitches) are dissolvable and will likely fall out in two days to two weeks.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The following conditions may occur, all of which are considered normal:
Numbness
Numbness of the lower lip and chin may sometimes develop on the side where a lower tooth was removed. This is usually a temporary condition which will improve with time. Please contact our office if you have numbness (cannot feel lip, tongue, or chin) which persists more than two days.
Sensitivity
Teeth near a surgery site may be temporarily sensitive.
Elevated Temperature
There may be a slight elevation of temperature for 24 to 48 hours. If the elevated temperature (greater than 100.4) continues, please contact our office.