Post-Op Instructions

Post-Operation Instructions for All Procedures:

First 36 Hours

• Do NOT rinse or swish anything in your mouth.
• NO spitting forcefully, NO sucking through a straw, nor sucking on any hard candy for 7-10 days.
• NO SMOKING for 7-10 days following the surgery. This is to prevent dry sockets.
• Apply COLD packs to the outside of the face, 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off.
• Keep gauze in your mouth as long as the bleeding continues and change as needed. Take the gauze out of your mouth whenever eating or drinking. Also, take gauze out before lying down for bed.
• Do NOT eat anything that will get caught in the sockets such as popcorn, potato chips, or peanuts.
• You MAY brush your teeth being careful of the surgical areas.
• Take your medication as the doctor prescribed. MAKE SURE that you get something on your stomach BEFORE taking the pain medication. DO NOT mix anything with the pain medication without consulting the doctor. REMEMBER: DO NOT drive a car nor operate any machinery while on your pain medication.
• AVOID anything too hot or spicy in this post-op period.

36 Hours After Surgery

• APPLY warm, moist HEAT to the outside of the face 5 times a day for 1-2 weeks following your surgery.
• Start salt-water rinses, using a tablespoon of salt to an 8oz. glass of warm water. On the bottom sockets, use the syringe provided to flush the sockets clean of food that may be trapped in that area.
• If sutures were placed, they will dissolve on their own.
• If the bleeding continues or gets heavier, place a dry tea bag in the area of the surgery and gently bite until bleeding stops.

If you have any problems or questions, please feel free to call the office. If it is after business hours, there will be a number provided for emergencies on our recording.