Post-operative care
Activity: It is recommended that you restrict your activity on the day of and the day after surgery. Typically, patients return to work or school the following day. It is in your best interest not to participate in any physical activity for at least two days following surgery. Avoid sleeping on the side where surgery was done. Smoking is not advised 7 to 14 days after surgery.
Medications: You may experience some discomfort as the local anaesthetic wears off. If a medication is prescribed or recommended, you are advised to take it as directed, even if you initially do not have much discomfort – it is much easier to prevent discomfort than it is to treat it once it occurs.
Swelling: Some swelling is normal following surgery and should reach its peak by 48 hours. For the first 24 hours following surgery, apply an icepack on your face, outside the operation site, for 15 minutes on/15 minutes off. A reusable ice bag or a frozen vegetable bag, wrapped in a soft towel, may be used as an ice pack. After the first 24 hours, warm, moist heat may be applied to the area to break down the blood clot. You may get a towel and wet with some warm water from a bowl or tap. Wring dry then apply to your face. Keeping your head elevated above your heart will also help. Most swelling can occur in the morning and up to 3 days after surgery. Avoid sleeping / laying on the side that surgery was performed.
Bleeding: A small amount of oozing for the first 24 hours following surgery is normal. If slight bleeding is noted gently apply moderate pressure to the area with gauze for 20 minutes. If you run out of gauze, get a caffeinated tea bag and run it under distilled or clean water. Squeeze dry and place it with compression onto the area with bleeding. The caffeine will cause the blood vessels to constrict and reduce bleeding. Don’t rinse too hard or spit forcefully! If bleeding cannot be controlled, contact An Dental at Tel 85889868.
Mouth Care: Please refrain from pulling on your lips and keep your TONGUE and fingers away from the surgical site. Minimizing post-surgical movement and trauma will help the site to heal faster and more effectively. Sutures have been placed and will either be removed in 1-2 weeks or resorb away on their own. The sutures may also become loose as the surgical site heals. Please refrain from smoking during the healing phase.
Diet: Avoid hot, spicy, brittle, or abrasive foods following surgery. Often a soft diet is best for the first 24 hours. Minimize chewing on the side where surgery was performed. A balanced diet is important for optimal healing.
Oral Hygiene: Refrain from brushing the surgical area until instructed. You have been given a prescription for Chlorhexidine. Beginning 24 hours after surgery, begin rinsing your mouth twice a day for 30 seconds. Also, do not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes following rinsing. Side effects of this mouth rinse may include staining and taste alterations, which are reversible.
Follow-up appointments: You will be scheduled to return to our clinic for a follow-up appointment at 1-2 weeks. This is a short appointment (20 minutes) and is very important. At this time, sutures may be removed and additional oral hygiene instructions are given.