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Post-Operating Instructions

You should return to the office for your post-operative visits at the suggested time; however, feel free to call if you have questions or concerns in the interim.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

Following any oral surgical procedure (particularly the removal of impacted lower wisdom teeth) several undesirable effects may occur.

1. You may have pain which becomes worse after a few days and does not respond to the medication you are taking. This may indicate an inflammation of the bone socket (dry socket). This will require that you call the office and arrange to come in for a sedative dressing.

2. Other teeth on the same side may ache temporarily.

3. You may have a sore throat or earache for a few days. If the medication you are taking does not keep you comfortable, please call the office.

4. You may develop a fever. If your temperature reaches 101 degrees, call the office.

5. A numbness of the lower lip may occur on the same side as the surgery. 'Ibis is most likely a temporary condition and will gradually resolve with time. Please mention this at your post-operative visit.

6. There may be a "hole" in your gum after surgery. This will fill in with time. Rinse your mouth after meals to keep it clean.

7. Vein irritation (phlebitis) can occur at the I.V. site. Medications given through the I.V can cause irritation of the vein. This can result in redness and pain along the vein. If this occurs call the office.

8. If you are in doubt about your post-operative course, phone the office. It is better to discuss your problem with the doctor or his staff, than to listen to the advice of a "well-meaning" neighbor or friend.

POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

PLEASE NOTE: IF YOUR SURGERY INCLUDES GENERAL ANESTHESIA OR I.V. SEDATION YOU SHOULD NOT BE ALONE FOR 24 HOURS FOLLOWING SURGERY. THERE SHOULD BE A RESPONSIBLE ADULT AVAILABLE TO CARE FOR YOU DURING THIS ENTIRE POST-OPERATIVE TIME.

HEMORRHAGE CONTROL Bite on the gauze placed in your mouth so that mild continuous pressure is maintained over the surgical site. Keep the gauze in place for 30 minutes (or until you get home) as this will aid in formation of a clot. If bleeding persists after the first hour, place gauze, or a moistened tea bag on the surgical area and bite down to exert pressure for an additional 30 minutes. Do not suck on straws, rinse or spit on the day of surgery as this may prolong the bleeding. It is normal to have some blood in your saliva for 24 to 48 hours. If you are not comfortable with the amount of bleeding that you are experiencing, please call the office.

PAIN CONTROL For pain control use the prescribed medication according to directions. Avoid taking pain medication on an empty stomach as this may cause nausea. The prescription pain medication may contain Tylenol as well as a narcotic. Do not take Tylenol (acetaminophen) with a prescription containing Tylenol medication, as this could damage your liver. If able to tolerate Ibuprofen, we recommend taking three, 200 mg Ibuprofen (i.e. Advil) every six hours in addition to the prescribed pain medication. If this does not control the pain, call the office. Do not drink any alcoholic beverages when using a narcotic pain medication. Do not attempt to drive, cook around a hot stove, or engage in any strenuous activities when using a narcotic pain medication.

SWELLING CONTROL Apply ice packs to the facial area to minimize swelling that normally occurs after surgery. The ice packs should be used continuously over the next two days. Elevate the head and shoulders at a 45 degree angle until bedtime. Do not apply heat to the face unless you are specifically instructed to do so. Ibuprofen or a similar non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication will also help to reduce swelling.

DIET You may resume drinking liquids upon your return home from surgery. Drink plenty of fluids, but do not use a straw. A soft diet should be maintained (as can be tolerated) for the next three to four days. Well-balanced meals are important to your recovery. Do not eat pizza for one week. Avoid crunchy foods like chips, nuts, carrots, apples, or berries for one week. These types of foods will break into small pieces and get lodged in the surgical areas.

ORAL HYGIENE Do not use a mouth rinse for 24 hours. After 24 hours and if the bleeding has stopped, start gentle mouth rinses using warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt per 8 oz water) to aid in healing. Vigorous rinsing should be avoided as this may adversely affect healing. Rinse six times daily (after eating and between meals). Resume normal tooth brushing as soon as it is comfortable to do so.

REST Avoid over-fatigue. Go to bed early at night and get adequate rest during the day. Remain inactive for 24 hours.

SMOKING No smoking for at least 24 hours. Smoking may result in a dry socket (which can be very painful) or persistent bleeding. Smoking will also slow the healing of gum tissue and bone in your mouth.

BIRTH CONTROL PILL CAUTION Simultaneous use of antibiotics and birth control pills may reduce the effectiveness of the birth control; therefore, use of supplemental forms of birth control are advised during this time.

BRUISING OF THE SKIN Do not be alarmed if yellowish, blue-black discolorations appear on your face. Such bruising is common after surgery, and may take a week or longer to completely fade.

ANTIBIOTICS It is not always necessary to take antibiotics after a surgical procedure. If you are given a prescription for an antibiotic, have it filled and take ALL of the medication according to the instructions on the label. If you develop diarrhea while on the antibiotic, discontinue its use and call the doctor.

SUTURES Occasionally sutures are placed. Although you may feel them with your tongue, it is best to leave them alone. The sutures are resorbable and will not need to be removed.