Post-Op Instructions for Oral Surgery in Cranston, RI

Postoperative Instructions for Oral Surgery

Diet:

• Stick to soft foods like soup, mashed potatoes, yogurt, scrambled eggs, pureed vegetables, and smoothies for the first few days.
• Avoid using straws and refrain from consuming alcoholic beverages and smoking until your healing is well established.
• General anesthesia patients, steer clear of dairy products for 24 hours to prevent nausea.

Rinsing:

• Refrain from rinsing, spitting, or using mouthwash for the initial 24 hours.
• Starting the following day, rinse your mouth with a mix of 1/2 hydrogen peroxide and 1/2 warm water at least 5 times daily for six weeks.
• Brush your remaining teeth; a clean mouth promotes faster healing.

Sutures:

• Sutures will dissolve in approximately 7-10 days.

Rest:

• Avoid lying flat; keep your head elevated on 2-3 pillows for the first 24 hours.
• Minimize activity for at least a week after the procedure.

Bleeding:

• If bleeding occurs, bite down on folded gauze with an ice pack on the affected side for 20 minutes.
• If bleeding persists, use a moistened regular tea bag pressed against the wound while sitting upright and biting down firmly for 20 minutes. Repeat with a new tea bag if necessary.

Swelling:

• Expect some swelling; maximum swelling might occur around 48 hours after surgery.
• Reduce swelling by applying ice packs gently to the outside of your face for 20 minutes on and 10 minutes off, during the first 48 hours. Avoid applying heat unless directed by your doctor.

Discomfort:

• Take prescribed pain medication; refrain from driving while on prescription pain relief.
• You can also take 600-800mg of Ibuprofen up to 4 times a day (not exceeding 16 pills in 24 hours) and 650-1000mg of Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 3 times a day between Ibuprofen doses.

Follow-Up Appointments:

• While follow-up appointments may not always be necessary, don’t hesitate to contact our office with any concerns or questions.

Implant Patients:

• The day after surgery, rinse with a 50/50 mix of hydrogen peroxide and warm water 4-5 times daily throughout the healing process.
• Use the prescribed Peridex solution, applied with a Q-tip, 2 times daily during the entire implant process. Do not rinse with Peridex solution unless instructed by the doctor.
• Sutures may take 3-4 weeks to dissolve; if not dissolved after 1 month, your doctor may remove them.