Please make it a point to read and follow all instructions
given to you. Even though you may not initially feel uncomfortable, swelling
and its resulting complications can be kept to a minimum for the week following
oral surgery. These instructions are important!
Immediately following the surgery, gently apply ice packs for
periods of twenty minutes on and ten minutes off. This procedure should be
continued all day. Your diet should consist of liquids only. Do not rinse or
use mouthwash for twenty-four hours. If your mouth is dry or has a bad taste,
you may wipe your tongue with a wet cloth. A small amount of bleeding is to be
expected and can be reduced by applying a moist tea bag to the surgical area.
Excessive bleeding should be reported at once.
On the day after surgery, continue to use the ice packs. This
procedure should be continued all day and for as many days as swelling
persists. You may follow a semi-liquid to soft diet today and, for the rest of
the week, avoiding the surgical area at all times.
At about forty-eight hours after surgery, you may notice some
swelling of the surgical site, accompanied by mild discomfort. Ice packs and
aspirin (at this point) or acetaminophen can be used for relief. Excessive
swelling or severe pain should be reported.
Other Important Instructions:
Since a clean mouth heals faster, you may carefully use a soft
toothbrush the day after surgery in the areas of the mouth not involved with
the surgical procedure. At this time you should also begin rinsing very gently
with a warm saltwater solution (one half tablespoon of salt in eight ounces of
warm water) three times a day.
Do not smoke or drink alcohol for ten days following surgery.
Do not drink through a straw or pick at the surgical area. Do not use aspirin
for 24 hours following oral surgery. Avoid excessive activity such as running
and aerobic exercise for the first few days. Do not use denture adhesives until
otherwise instructed by the doctor.
Pulling your lip out to inspect the surgical area may loosen or
tear your stitches. Please use caution. Unless there is a need, it is best to
leave the area undisturbed.
Discomfort following dental procedures can be expected. If
medication has been given or prescribed, take it as you were instructed by the
doctor.
Medication Instructions
The information provided on this page is to serve as a reminder
to patients who are undergoing treatment at our office and who have
received instructions and/or prescriptions from us. Others should seek
guidance from their appropriate health professional.
-
The night before surgery
start your antibiotic (see below) by taking one tablet or capsule at bedtime.*
-
The morning of surgery
continue your antibiotic by taking one tablet or capsule every six hours until
finished.*
-
One hour before surgery
take Ibuprofen as prescribed. Note: You may use 800 mg of over-the-counter
ibuprofen if you prefer (i.e. Advil® 200 mg tabs).
-
Immediately following surgery
take one Vicodin® tablet.
-
Four hours after the first postoperative dose
take one Vicodin® tablet.
-
Every four hours thereafter you may continue to take one Vicodin® tablet
as needed or you may switch to an over-the-counter analgesic such as Extra
Strength Tylenol® until the discomfort is gone.
Types of Medicine you may be given
Antibiotics (i.e. Pen-VK®, Erythromycin®, Keflex®, etc.
When prescribed, always finish the entire prescription as directed.
Analgesics (i.e. Vicodin®, Tylenol®) Take as directed as
needed for pain. This medication is optional, but we recommend you take the
first two doses (as indicated above) in order to prevent the onset of anything
greater than mild to moderate discomfort. If you find that the medication is
too strong, you may cut the tablet in half, or use an aspirin-free,
over-the-counter pain reliever such as Tylenol® instead. Do not use
aspirin-containing pain relievers for the first twenty-four hours after
surgery, as they may delay clotting time and therefore, contribute to prolonged
bleeding.
Do not exceed the recommended dose of your pain medication.
If you are having excessive pain, ® this office. If you feel you
may be having an adverse reaction to any medication given or prescribed, discontinue
it at once and ® this office immediately. Never consume alcohol
with prescription or non-prescription medication. Please inform us of
any other medication you are currently taking or health conditions for which you
are currently being treated.
* Patients who are routinely premedicated for dental procedures
due to heart murmurs (MVP), artificial joints or valves, etc. should follow
their standard premedication regimen, as discussed.
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