general care after surgery.
swelling, bruising & discomfort
Swelling, bruising and discomfort may occur after surgery which is completely normal. Swelling of the face and neck may result from the surgical removal of teeth. Swelling peaks after 48 hours, and then gradually subsides. It is normal for bruising to appear on the jaw and upper neck. Most of the discomfort will subside within a week. Although ice has little effect on swelling, an ice bag may be applied outside the face next to the site of surgery, twenty minutes on and twenty minutes off for the first twenty four hours.
bleeding
It is normal for the saliva to be streaked with blood for one or two days. If frank bleeding is present, fold gauze into a firm, thick wad and place directly onto the socket or against the operative site and maintain steady pressure for twenty minutes or longer. The less frequently the gauze is changed the better. Do not spit. Do not chew gauze. A tea bag moistened in lukewarm water may be substituted for the gauze pad.
nausea
Nausea is quite common and may occur after an anesthetic or from some medications especially narcotic pain medications. Gravol, flat carbonated drinks, such as cola or ginger ale will aid to relieve nausea.
limited mouth movement
This is a normal protective mechanism and is due to fluid in the jaw muscles. It will gradually disappear after a few weeks. Massage the area and apply heat. Mouth opening exercises can also help.
temperature elevation
A temperature increase of up to about 102 F or 39 C is common for up to 48 hours following surgery. If your temperature exceeds this, please call our office.
stitches
Dissolving stitches are used to control bleeding in the area of the surgery. These stitches gradually dissolve and come out on their own (2-10 days).
oral hygiene
DO NOT rinse your mouth on the day of surgery as this can disturb the healing process. Gently rinse on the day following surgery. Rinse every few hours and especially right after eating. Rinse with ½ tsp of salt in a glass of warm water or any diluted mouth rinse. These directions do not apply to Peridex which you should use only as directed. Begin brushing your teeth when comfortable. SMOKING IS BEST AVOIDED FOR AT LEAST 3 DAYS.
diet
Avoid hot drinks until the local anesthetic has worn off. Your jaw may be stiff or your throat sore. You will be able to drink and may be able to eat soft foods. Drinking should begin immediately upon arriving home from surgery. Drink water, soups, fruit and vegetable juices. Resume a regular diet as soon as you are able to.
medications
Pain – for simple types of surgery, two regular strength Advil or Tylenol tablets may be used as necessary to relieve the pain. If the pain is more severe, a prescription will be given that is to be taken as directed. The first tablet should be taken before the anesthetic wears off. Narcotic pain medicine may cause some dizziness; do not drive. Ibuprofen can be taken together with narcotics, although this can cause increased upset stomach.
Antibiotics and other medications should be taken until the prescription is finished.
For nausea or upset stomach, Gravol can be taken with your medication. If a rash, severe stomach cramps or diarrhea occurs, stop taking your medication and call our office.
constipation
Codeine in pain medicine is constipating. If this occurs, a mild laxative such as Milk of Magnesia may be taken. It is also recommended that you Increase your fluids