Post-Operative Instructions for Oral Surgery
Care of the mouth after surgery has an important effect on healing. Swelling, discomfort, slight oozing of blood, and restricted jaw movement may be expected depending on the extent and location of the surgery. These problems need not cause alarm and may be minimal if the following post-operative instructions are followed carefully.
Bleeding – it is not unusual to have slight oozing for 24 hours and periodic bleeding for 10 days after an oral surgical procedure. A folded gauze sponge has been placed in the area of surgery prior to you leaving the office. Bite on it with constant, firm pressure. After one hour, remove the gauze. If there is continued bleeding, place a new gauze or moistened tea bag over the area and bite down for 1 ½ hours. Do not place large bulky gauze packs for it will only put pressure on the adjacent teeth, and not in the area of bleeding. Do not replace the gauze if there is only slight oozing.
Avoid spitting or rinsing your mouth on the day of the surgery.
Remember a drop or two of blood mixed with saliva may seem like a mouth full of blood. Place a towel on your pillow to prevent staining your linen with blood, which will be in your saliva for several hours. Firm biting pressure and correctly placed gauze on the surgical area is the most effective means of stopping the bleeding.
Swelling – Swelling will be at its greatest 2 days after surgery, and then the swelling will slowly disappear. To minimize swelling, apply an ice bag to the side of the face that was operated on as soon as you arrive home. Apply cold for 20 minutes, off for 10 minutes, and then continue doing this for 2-3 hours.
Pain – Discomfort (or severe pain after any difficult or prolonged surgery) should be expected. Medication will be prescribed to make you comfortable. Remember, after pain medication is swallowed, it may take an hour or so to take effect and may only work for 3-4 hours. Take any prescribed medication as directed by Dr. Hedges to help mitigate pain symptoms.
Care of the mouth – Do not rinse your mouth on the day of surgery. This may dislodge the blood clot and interrupt the normal course of healing. The morning after surgery, rinse gently with very warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water). Repeat every few hours, especially after meals for 3-4 days. Be sure not to smoke or drink through a straw, as it may cause a dry socket, which may be painful.
Diet – Eat whatever you wish. You may prefer soft or liquid foods for your own comfort. Avoid foods that require hard chewing. It is very important to maintain a good dietary intake, even if it is only liquids.
Nausea – Nausea may accompany the discomfort during the initial postoperative period. Small sips of tea, 7 Up, or ginger ale may help.
Post–Operative Conditions
The following post–operative conditions may occur in some patients while healing is progressing normally.
- Swelling and bruising on one or both sides of the jaw.
- Numbness (paresthesia) around the corner of the mouth or tongue.
- Tightness of the muscles (trismus) may cause difficulty in opening the mouth.
- Slight earache or sore throat.
- If intravenous anesthesia medication is given, the skin may become discolored at the site of injection may be discolored.
Please keep in mind that it is reasonable to expect your normal activities to be disrupted following a surgical procedure.
Denture Patients: Please do not remove dentures for 24 hours after surgery.
Note: In case of problems or if you have any questions, Please contact this office by calling 502.509.1980. Try your best to anticipate prescription refills or care problems during office hours.