INSTRUCTIONS FOLLOWING ORAL SURGERY Please read these instructions carefully. They will help you to understand the normal reactions following your surgery and help to keep you as comfortable as possible. Surgery of the mouth requires careful attention to post operative instructions. Pain You my experience discomfort, especially during the first 12 to 24 hours. Take the medications prescribed as indicated on the prescription. The initial dose will take 45 minutes to become effective. Take 1 or 2 pills every 3 to 4 hours as needed. For mild discomfort, you may need only aspirin, Tylenol, Advil, etc. When taking the pills, be sure to drink liquids first to help prevent an upset stomach. If you develop a rash or hives, stop all mediations and call the office. The prescription may not control all of your pain the first few days after surgery. CAUTION: The prescription may make you drowsy. Do not drive or operate mechanical equipment after taking pain mediation. Bleeding It is normal to have some bleeding, pink or red saliva, or clot formation during the first 24 hours. Do not be alarmed. Maintain the gauze packing for 1 hour with firm biting pressure. Keep your head elevated while sleeping or lying down. Do no disturb the wound with your fingers or by sucking on it. Avoid rinsing or spitting the day of surgery, as this may cause additional bleeding. If bleeding is excessive, place a thumb-sized roll of sterile gauze or a moistened tea bag over the wound and bite firmly for 1 hour with constant pressure. If excessive bleeding persists longer than a few hours, call the office for further instructions. Swelling Some swelling is expected to develop, and it may be significant. It is not unusual for swelling to peak 3 to 4 days after surgery, and then slowly subside. Apply ice packs during the first 24 hours, 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. After 24 hours, if swelling persists use warm moist packs for 20 minutes every hour. Oral Hygiene Do not rinse or brush the day of surgery. The day after surgery, rinse gently every 1 or 2 hours with a solution of warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a large glass of warm water). You should brush you teeth, but be careful of the surgical site. Avoid mouthwashes. Smoking DO NOT SMOKE after your procedure. Smoking is detrimental to healing. Physical Activities Avoid fatigue and keep activities to a minimum after surgery. Diet A soft, non-chewy diet, avoiding hot liquids, is advised the day of your surgery. Resume your normal diet as soon as possible, and drink plenty of liquids. If you are diabetic, maintain your caloric intake and take your medication as usual. If diarrhea occurs, call the office. Nausea A small amount of carbonated 7-Up or ginger ale every hour for 5 to 6 hours will usually terminate nausea. Follow this with weak tea or clear broth, avoiding juices and diary products. If nausea persists, call the office. Care of the IV Site If intravenous anesthesia was used, keep the injection site clean. Avoid strenuous or repetitive activity for 48 to 72 hours. Advise us immediately of any unusual soreness, pain or swelling around the injection site. Immediate Dentures If you had dentures placed, do not remove them. They will be removed by the doctor or your general dentist at a future appointment. Other Medication Continue other medications which you may have been taking routinely before your treatment in our office (unless otherwise directed). If antibiotics have been prescribed, please continue and complete the entire dosage. Warning: Antibiotics may inhibit the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. You May Experience
Telephone Calls Please tell the receptionist the nature of your call. Some matters can be handled through our office communications system, making a return call unnecessary. If necessary, the doctor will return your call as soon as possible. Our telephone is answered 24 hours a day. When the office is closed, our answering service can usually reach the doctor in a short time. Please call the office number (630) 941-3400. Try to anticipate the need for prescription refills and call during office hours so that we can refer to your records. Please have the pharmacy phone number available when you call. WE ARE INTERESTED IN YOUR SPEEDY RECOVERY. IF ANY PROBLEMS ARISE, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL THE OFFICE AT ANY TIME. Sinus Involvement Instructions Due to the close relationship to the sinus, a communication will sometimes remain between the mouth and the sinus. This may have occurred in your case, therefore it is important to follow these instructions.
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