- Rest quietly with your head elevated for the remainder of the day.
- Always get up slowly from a reclining position to prevent dizziness.
- Limit physical activity, to encourage rapid healing please REST!
Ice
- As soon as possible, place an ice pack on your face over the surgical area; 20 minutes on and 10 minutes off.
- Use the ice pack for the first 24–48 hours following surgery. This will contribute to your comfort and minimize swelling.
- Moist heat may be applied 2 days following surgery for added comfort.
Medication
- Ideally, pain medication should be taken BEFORE numbness wears off. You may wish to take your pain medication at our office immediately following surgery, but you MUST HAVE A DRIVER. If you do not have a driver you may take the medication as prescribed as soon as you arrive at home.
- Ibuprofen (Motrin) should be taken for the first 48 hours regardless of pain, it is a Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug, (NSAID) which will help with the swelling. (Adults do not exceed 800mg four times a day.)
- If an antibiotic was prescribed, take it as directed until it is ALL GONE.
- Some pain medications may cause lightheadedness. Lying down will help this.
- Some medications may cause an upset stomach. Taking these with food will lessen this effect.
Bleeding
- Some seepage of blood is expected, however, extensive bleeding should not occur. If such bleeding should occur, apply firm pressure with moist gauze or a warm, moistened tea bag to the area for 20 minutes. If bleeding does not subside, please call.
Mouthcare
- Do not brush, floss, rinse or spit the day of your surgery.
- Begin rinsing with the prescription peridex mouth-rinse 24 hours after your surgery.
- You may begin to brush the NON-SURGICAL area the day following surgery. Remember to rinse very gently.
- If you have had a crown lengthening procedure done, you may need to use other dental aids, such as a proxa-brush along with your toothbrush to prevent tissue re-growth.
Eating
- Eat softer foods such as pasta, eggs, yogurt, baked potato or hot cereal.
- Chew in the non-surgical areas as much as possible.
- Avoid extremes: very hot, very cold, acidic foods, also hard or crunchy foods.
- Maintain a balanced a diet.
Fluids
- Fluids should be consumed as soon as possible. It is recommended that you drink 6–8 glasses of water over the remainder of the day following surgery.
- Avoid using a straw as it may cause suction, which may loosen clotting and cause bleeding.
Alcohol/Aspirin
- DO NOT CONSUME ALCOHOL WHILE ON PAIN MEDICATION OR ANTIBIOTICS!
- Avoid the use of alcohol products for 2 days after surgery or until you are no longer taking pain medication or antibiotics. Alcohol is a blood thinner and may cause bleeding and delay the healing process, it may also affect the antibiotic medication.
Swelling
- Some swelling often occurs and this is normal. However, if swelling seems excessive and is accompanied by fever, please call immediately.
Smoking
- We strongly advise NO SMOKING 2 weeks before and after surgery. Smoking delays healing, increases discomfort, and may encourage bleeding and infection in the surgical site.
