Post-Operative Instructions | Texas Center For Oral Surgery

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A responsible person should carefully attend patients who have undergone IV anesthesia for at least three (3) hours after leaving the office. The patient is not permitted to drive or operate hazardous devices the day of surgery.
PAIN: A certain amount of discomfort is to be expected as with any surgery. This varies with the amount of surgery required. It is usually well controlled by the medications that have been prescribed. Try to eat something before taking these medications unless otherwise directed. If nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or rash develop, discontinue all medications and contact the office immediately. DO NOT DRIVE AN AUTOMOBILE OR OPERATE MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT WHILE TAKING PAIN MEDICATION. Also, the consumption of alcohol or other non-prescription drugs can be dangerous if taken in conjunction with your pain medication. If your doctor has prescribed anti-inflammatory medications and/or antibiotics, they should be continued until completed to minimize postoperative swelling and enhance the healing process.
BLEEDING: Bleeding follows any surgery and should not alarm you unless it is excessive or persistent. It may in almost every case be controlled by placing a firm roll of gauze or a moistened, folded tea bag directly over the bleeding area and exerting continuous pressure for 30–45 minutes by closing the teeth firmly together. Slight oozing from the surgical site can be expected for 24–48 hours.
SWELLING & DISCOLORATION: Both are common after oral surgery. It may be helpful to apply ice to your face 12 hours today only (30 minutes on, 30 minutes off). The earlier this is started the more effective it will be. Swelling is usually the greatest 72 hours (3 days) after surgery. Do not apply external heat. It is helpful to keep the head elevated on two pillows the first night after surgery. If the swelling does not begin to decrease after 72 hours, please call the office.
DIET: For your comfort, a soft cool diet with plenty of liquids should be maintained the first day or two following surgery. Soft foods include items such as ice cream, yogurt, pudding, malts, shakes, smoothies, etc. and may also include cooled off eggs, omelets, mashed potatoes, soup, pasta, casseroles, etc. AVOID THE USE OF STRAWS FOR 3–4 DAYS.
RINSING & BRUSHING: Avoid forceful spitting in the first 24 hours as it may contribute to dry socket. Do not rinse your mouth until the following morning as this could dislodge the blood clot and retard healing. In the morning rinse your mouth GENTLY using the prescribed mouth rinse.This may be repeated 3–4 times daily for approximately 1 week. You may begin brushing and flossing the day following surgery, exercising care near surgery sites. If a syringe is provided you may begin using it 5 days after surgery. The syringe may be filled with the prescribed mouth rinse or a warm salt water solution (warm water is also ok if you are away from home) and used to flush debris from lower extraction sites by placing the tip of the syringe directly into the extraction site.Please note that the use of tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, pipes, dip, etc.) slows healing and usually will increase post-operative pain.
EXERCISE: Please avoid strenuous activities (i.e. jogging, sports, lifting weights, etc.) for approximately 72 hours (3 days) following surgery.

Proper home care will speed recovery and reduce healing time. Please call our office should any complications arise (i.e. high fever, nausea, vomiting, discomfort not controlled by the medications prescribed, or prolonged and excessive swelling). After hours you may also contact your doctor directly at the number listed at the top of this page.

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Post-Operative Instructions | Texas Center For Oral Surgery

Ensure A Smooth Recovery!

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Follow all recommended guidelines

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Let us know if you have questions!

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