Post-operative instructions

These instructions are of a general nature for a variety of surgical procedures. If you have a concern related to your specific procedure, please consult a member of our staff.

• When you get home wash your hands and remove the gauze and check for bleeding. A minor ooze is normal. Drink or eat something cool and soft, take pain medication as prescribed. Replace gauze until numbness has gone and bleeding has stopped (1-3 hours). Repeat, if necessary.

• Do not rinse your mouth, spit, gargle or brush your teeth until the following morning. Rinsing too soon may dislodge the clot and interrupt the healing process. Beginning the next morning, start rinsing gently with warm salt water (1/4 tsp. Salt to 8 ounces of warm water). Continue until healing is well under way (3-4 days). Do not drink from a straw for the first day.

• Swelling following this type of surgery is expected and normal. You can minimize this by the application of an ice pack over the area for the first 12-24 hours. Maintain the ice on for 20 minutes / off for 20 minutes. On the second day, applying moist heat over the area may give some relief and aid in reducing the amount of swelling.

• Difficulty opening your mouth widely or tenderness while chewing is expected. Do not let this alarm you. It will resolve over the course of several days to 2 weeks.

• Diet – Try to gradually work up to a normal diet. Liquids, soups and soft (non-chewy) foods are best at first.

• Discomfort – Must be expected following this type of surgery. Your pain medication should be taken as directed.

• Contact this office if there are questions or if healing is not going as expected.

• Unusual symptoms – fever, skin rash, labored breathing, heavy bleeding, rapid pulse (over 100 beats per minute), inability to urinate within 6 hours after surgery, communication difficulties, bizarre behavior – must be reported to the doctor immediately.

• Do not plan to operate cars or machinery while on narcotic pain medication.

• Alcohol and tobacco must be avoided during the recovery period.

Ed Blanton, DDS, P.A. 2149 US Hwy. 441
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Leesburg, FL 34748
(352)728-6600
FAX (352) 728-0585