Do not disturb the wounds. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery. There may be a metal healing abutment protruding through the gingival (gum) tissue.
Bleeding
Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding (your mouth fills up rapidly with blood) can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues please call for further instructions.
Swelling
Moderate swelling is normal and peaks in 2-3 days then gradually goes down in the next 5-7 days. Mild skin bruising may accompany the swelling. Difficulty in swallowing and inability to open the mouth widely occurs commonly after surgery secondary to the swelling of the tissues on the area. Chewing soft foods and moving your jaw helps this to gradually improve as the swelling and discomfort go away. Place an ice pack over the area nearest the surgery for 30 minutes on and 10 minutes off for the first 24 hours then discontinue the ice packs.
Diet
Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot/spicy/acidic liquids or food. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day following surgery.
Pain
You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. For moderate pain, 1 or 2 Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every 3-4 hours along with the Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin). Ibuprofen, bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 2-4 tablets may be taken every 3-4 hours as needed for pain. For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed. Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it.
Antibiotics
Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics as directed to help prevent infections. If a rash or GI distress develops, discontinue and call us at (312)951-8338 or, if the office is closed please call the office and leave a detailed message; someone will promptly return your call.
Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. Be sure to rinse for at least 30 seconds then spit it out. Warm saltwater rinses (teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should be used at least 4-5 times a day as well, especially after meals. Brushing your teeth and the healing abutments is no problem. Be gentle initially with brushing the surgical areas.
Activity
Keep physical to a minimum immediately following surgery. If you are considering exercise, throbbing or bleeding may occur. If this occurs, you should discontinue exercising. Keep in mind that you are probably not taking normal nourishment. This may weaken you and further limit your ability to exercise.