Expect moderate discomfort, nausea, swelling, and oozing in the immediate 24 hours following surgery. This is normal. However, SEVERE pain, or bleeding, etc. should result in immediate notification of the doctor. Swelling normally peaks at 48 hours.
Do NOT rinse the mouth on the day of surgery. This is to eliminate bleeding and loss of blood clot. NO ALCOHOL and NO SMOKING for 72 hours after surgery. Use 1/2 tsp. of salt in a glass of hot water for mouth wash. This should be done at least 3 times per day, for a day or two, having the water as hot as possible for cleanliness and healing.
Gauze Pads have been placed over the surgical areas to act as protective pressure bandages to control bleeding and swelling. The original pads should remain in place until they are totally saturated. The less frequently the gauze are changed, the better, as they act as a pressure dressing, over the wounds. The gauze packs may even be left in overnight, to control bleeding. The gauze rolls should be thick enough, so that your teeth do not touch when you are closing your mouth together. On the first day of surgery, do not rinse, suck on a straw or spit.
Force Fluids by Mouth because dehydration hinders healing. Eat anything you desire, preferably a soft diet... a good appetite and well-balanced diet are essential to rapid healing. Soups, fruit juices, milk, milkshakes, and food supplements are recommended for 24 hours following surgery.
For Pain 400 mgs of Ibuprofen taken every 6 hours will manage most post-surgical pain. If other medications have been prescribed, it should be taken immediately after surgery before local anesthesia wears off.
For Bleeding insert a wet tea bag or folded piece of sterile gauze in area of bleeding, bite down firmly, and apply ice to the outside of the face. Do NOT spit excessively for this only causes more bleeding.
For Swelling After Extractions first 24 hours - use ice bag, 20 minutes on and 10 minutes off intermittently. After 48 hours - if swelling continues, use moist heat only. Apply with face towel. Do this for 30 minutes every hour for swelling.
If Immediate Dentures Have Been Inserted, DO NOT remove them. They will be removed in the office at your next appointment in 24 hours after surgery.
If Sutures or Packings Have Been Placed, you are to return to the office for their removal. However, dissolvable sutures are often used.
Nausea and/or Vomiting May Occur in the immediate post-operative period. If nausea and/or vomiting is excessive, please call the office so that we can prescribe anti-nausea medication.
If Difficulty in Breathing, Fever or any other disturbing problems should develop after leaving the office, you should call the office immediately.
If Other Than Local Anesthesia Was Used, patient should observe the following *guidelines:
ANESTHESIA DON'TS
DON'T drive a car for at least 24 hours. After anesthesia, your reaction may be impaired. Such impairment makes driving a car dangerous to you and to others. It is especially important that you don't forget to make arrangements for someone else to drive you home from office.
DON'T operate complex equipment for at least 24 hours. The same logic that applies to driving a car similarly applies to the operation of other equipment. This includes equipment used at home, such as a lawnmower, as well as that which is used on the job, such as a forklift truck
DON'T make any important decisions or sign any legal documents for the day. The potential for impairment relates not only to physical activities, but to your mental state also. Moreover, the anxiety that frequently accompanies important decisions is to be avoided. The day should be spent resting.
DON'T take any medications unless prescribed by or discussed with your physician. Some medications may adversely interact with anesthetic drugs or chemicals remaining in your body. Included are prescription drugs, such as sleeping pills or tranquilizers, and over-the-counter medications, such as aspirin.
DON'T drink alcohol for at least 24 hours. Alcohol is also considered a drug, meaning that an alcoholic drink has the potential to negatively react with the anesthetic in your system. This includes hard liquor, beer and wine.
ANESTHESIA DO'S
DO leave the office accompanied by a responsible adult. This person will ensure that you travel safely, as well as provide immediate care at home. You should continue to have this adult with you for 24 hours after surgery.
DO remain quietly at home for the day and rest. You need rest both because you have received anesthesia, and because you have undergone a surgical procedure - even one that is considered minor. If, after a day, you still do not feel recovered, you may want to continue your rest for an additional day or two. Discuss your planned return to work with your physician.
DO arrange for someone to care for your small children for the day. Even if given instructions to play peacefully and not overtax you, children sometimes forget such directions or have trouble staying quiet for an entire day. The most predictable course of action is to leave small children and babies in the care of another responsible adult.
DO take liquids first and slowly progress to a light meal. Heavy foods can be difficult for your system to digest, thereby increasing the chance for discomfort. For your nourishment, start by taking liquids, then eat light foods, such as broth or soup, crackers or toast, plain rice, jello and yogurt.