Midland Park Family Dentistry Patient Information
Post-Operative Instructions
What to do after you've had oral surgery
It is common to experience some temporary difficulties after oral surgery. These may include pain, bleeding, swelling, bruising, and stiffness.
Bleeding
To stop bleeding, place a folded gauze pad over the site and bite down gently for 30 minutes. Repeat if necessary. If you run out of gauze, you can use a teabag. If bleeding is severe, call your dentist or doctor.
DO NOT rinse your mouth vigorously for the first 24 hours. A day after the surgery, you may begin rinsing your mouth gently using salt water (half a teaspoon of salt in a full glass of warm water). Do this after all meals for the next several days.
Swelling
To keep down swelling, place an ice pack on the outside of your face in the area where the surgery was done. Use ice for 20 minutes every hour during the first 24 hours of surgery. After 24 hours, do not use ice.
Stiffness and Bruising
You may have trouble opening your mouth widely and there may be some mild soreness when you swallow. This is common and should improve gradually. Bruising is also possible, especially in fair skinned people. This also goes away by itself.
Medications
Take medications as ordered and follow instructions provided by the doctor or pharmacist. If pain or swelling gets worse after a few days, or if pain medication doesn't relieve your pain, call your dentist.
If you have a reaction to the medication such as rash, hives, itching, nausea, or severe diarrhea, call your doctor right away.
Nutrition
It is advisable to drink plenty of fluids and eat soft foods. You may start to eat when the numbness has worn off. Once your mouth feels better, you can move to a more normal diet.
DO NOT drink through a straw and avoid foods with small particles like rice and corn. Avoid hot and spicy foods.
Sutures
You may have sutures (stitches) which can be the dissolving kind or may need to be taken out about a week after surgery. Return for your postoperative visit as directed by your dentist.
Smoking and Drinking
DO NOT smoke. Smoking delays healing and can cause complications. It is strongly recommended that you do not smoke after oral surgery.
DO NOT drink alcohol and DO NOT use mouthwash for 1 week.
Emergency Contact
If you have a problem during work hours call (201) 389-8418.
After hours, please follow phone prompt or go to your local hospital.
