Patient Information

Post Op Instructions

t is important to follow post-operative instructions after oral surgery or recovery could be delayed. Please follow the instructions below unless otherwise indicated.

When you leave the office: Pick up the prescription, go home, and get settled.

1. Gauze: If you have gauze, keep it in place with firm, constant pressure for about an hour after you leave the office. Once home, take the gauze out and throw it away. At that time, get something cold to eat and drink and take the first pain pill (before the numbness from the surgery has worn off). If either intravenous or nitrous sedation were used, the patient will most likely go to sleep after taking the pain pill.

2. Antibiotic: An hour or two after the first pain pill, start the antibiotics (even if you have to wake the patient). Make sure to have something to eat and drink before taking any medications to avoid nausea or vomiting.

3. No rinsing, spitting, or straws for the first full 24 hours after the surgery.

Avoid sucking on or around the wound. All of these things will promote bleeding and possibly prevent clot formation to the surgical site.

4. No smoking, tobacco products (i.e. cigarettes, snuff, dip…) or alcohol for at least 72 hours

(three days) after the surgery.

Bleeding

Some oozing of blood is expected, this can last up to 24 hours after the procedure. Stitches are in place following surgery. These usually come out 3-4 days post op. If not, they will be removed on the post-op visit. Normal oozing is usually mixed with saliva (thin and red). The gauze can be replaced as needed for oozing: wipe mouth out with a wet paper towel, place moistened gauze directly over the area for about 30 minutes with firm constant pressure. If oozing continues, repeat for another 30 minutes. If the oozing continues, dial the office day or night. Black, dark red blood clots are an indication of excessive bleeding (very rare). If bleeding is severe, go the nearest emergency room for evaluation.

Resting

I.V. sedation: For the first 24 hours after surgery: keep the head elevated, no bending, or lifting. Someone must monitor the patient closely while getting up and down due to the risk of fainting and falling. Doing too much following surgery can cause problems or make problems worse. Avoid unnecessary work or play until all soreness has subsided. It is probably best, after oral surgery, to remain quiet and restful for 24-72 hours.

Medication

Usually the prescription includes a pain medication and antibiotic. Sometimes a muscle relaxer and an anti-inflammatory agent will be given. For the first couple of days, use the pain medication as needed and prescribed. (Do not double up on any of the medications without contacting Dr. Fuqua or Dr. Grady). DO NOT DRIVE OR OPERATE MACHINERY WHILE TAKING PAIN MEDICATIONS OR MUSCLE RELAXERS.

On the third day, if pain is present, first try something like Motrin, ibuprofen, or Aleve (if you can take these. If these products take care of the problem, great. If not, then try a pain pill. If that does not stop the problem, then give us a call to make sure something else is not going on.

AFTER 3 DAYS, WE CANNOT CONTINUE TO EXCUSE YOU FROM WORK OR SCHOOL

UNLESS YOU HAVE BEEN SEEN IN THE OFFICE.

Birth Control Pills: Antibiotics can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills and could lead to an unexpected pregnancy. You must take additional precautions to prevent pregnancy during the monthly cycle in which antibiotics are used.

Diet

The first full 24 hours after the surgery, cool, cold, or luke-warm soft foods or liquids only. The shopping list provided is a guide. Follow it for a couple of days, and then find some different soft foods (i.e. meatloaf, chili, dressing…). Avoid chewing until soreness subsides (usually a week or longer if TMJ syndrome is present).

Swelling

Swelling may not peak until the second or third day. This is a frequent aftermath of oral surgery and may persist for up to a week. Increased swelling within the first 48 hours is ordinarily no cause for alarm, unless it is abnormal swelling (involving the eyes, forehead, or neck). To help control swelling, put the ice pack provided in the freezer when you get home (it will not get hard, only cold). Apply the ice to the side of the face for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, (while the patient is awake). Do this for the first two days after the surgery. If swelling is significant, start heat on the third day (do not go back to ice, that can cause rebound pain). Use heat until the swelling has completely resolved (about a week). The ice pack can be microwaved for a few seconds (see directions on the pack).

Rinsing

Beginning a full 24 hours after surgery, rinse every 4 hours with warm, salt water (coffee temperature tap water: ½ tsp salt per 8 oz. water). You may also begin carefully brushing your teeth.

Temperature

It is normal for your temperature to be slightly elevated during the first 24 hours after surgery. If your temperature goes above 102⁰ or occurs after the first 48 hours, please notify the office.

Other Situations

If rash, itching, nausea, or vomiting begin after you start your medications, STOP the medications immediately. For rash or itching, use Benadryl liquid or pills and call the office. For nausea and/or vomiting, call the office for anti-nausea instructions. For difficulty breathing, throat closing, or other emergent concerns, go directly to the ER closest to you and they will notify our office.

TMJ Syndrome

This is a problem with the joints and muscles of the jaw. Symptoms may be headaches, earaches, or jaw stiffness, usually occurring after the second day. This can be aggravated by excessive strain on the jaw (chewing, clenching, yawning, or grinding teeth). Avoid these factors. If pain persists for more than 3 days after the surgery, call our office. Once evaluated and it is felt that this is the problem, medications, and instructions are given to help ease the pain. Use of a heat pack (starting on the third day) will help with soreness/pain. Continue the soft diet.