Bleeding: Small amounts of blood in the saliva can make your saliva appear quite red. This is normal and may be noticed the rest of the day after the procedure. Do not spit out the leaking blood for the rest of the day, but swallow slowly.
Smoking: Smoking should be stopped following surgery. Healing and success of the surgery will be substantially reduced by the cigarette smoke chemicals in your body.
Pain: Some discomfort is normal after surgery. To minimize pain, Take two Tylenol, Nuprin, Advil, or similar non-aspirin pain reliever every 3 to 4 hours until bedtime to maintain comfort. Don’t exceed the dose on the label. Taking with food or milk will help reduce upset stomach.
Swelling: Applying an ice bag to the face over the operated area will minimize swelling. Apply for 10 minutes, then remove for 10 minutes. Continue this for the first day.
Brushing: You may brush your teeth gently, but avoid the area of surgery for 1 week.
Rinsing: Avoid all rinsing or swishing for 24 hours. After 24 hours you may begin gentle rinsing with a saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon salt + teaspoon soda + 8 ounces warm water). Avoid commercial mouth rinses for 3 days.
Diet: Eat soft foods for the first two days. Maintain a good, balanced diet. Return to normal regular meals as soon as you are able after the first two days. Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol for 3 days.
Activity: After leaving the office rest and avoid strenuous activities for the remainder of the day. Keeping blood pressure lower will reduce bleeding and aid healing.
Sinus: If your sinus was involved in the procedure, you should avoid blowing your nose for one week. There may be a slight bleeding from your nose on the day of the procedure, do not be panic.
Antibiotics: If you were given an antibiotic prescription, take all of them as directed until they are gone.
Please call your dentist if you have:
- Uncontrollable pain
- Excessive or severe bleeding
- Marked fever
- Excessive warm swelling occurring a few days after the procedure
- Reactions to medications especially rash, itching, or breathing problems