Post Operative Information

1. Bite on gauze placed in your mouth for approximately one hour. Do not chew on it. This gauze may have to be replaced. The gauze can be replaced with a TEA BAG if bleeding persists.
2. DO NOT RINSE, USE A STRAW, OR FORCEFULLY SPIT FOR 24 HOURS AFTER THE SURGERY. Starting the next day, you should rinse after meals and at bed time with warm salt water for several days. It is best to avoid smoking for several days.
3. Swelling is to be expected after oral surgery. An ice bag to the side of your face that has had surgery will help to minimize the swelling. 15 minutes on and 5 minutes off for at least 8 hours is advised and may be helpful in the first 8 hours. Keep your head elevated by two pillows until the next day. Oozing during the night is to be expected. a towel on your pillow may help.
4. You may eat or drink anything liquid or soft you wish except alcoholic beverages the day and night of surgery. It is important that you take nourishment; try not to miss a meal, even though it may be liquid.
5. Take your prescribed medications as directed. Warning, certain pain medications will cause drowsiness. Therefore, do not drive or expose yourself to dangers while taking them. Dizziness or fainting may occur after medicines have been taken. Be cautious on getting up. Please be advised: some studies show decreased effectiveness of birth control pills while taking antibiotics.
6. You may gently start brushing your teeth the day after surgery, not the day of surgery.