Do not disturb the wound. If surgical packing was placed, leave it alone. The pack helps to keep the tooth exposed. If it gets dislodged or falls out, do not get alarmed.You will see a gold chain attached to your orthodontic wire. Do not disturb the chain – avoid touching it with your tongue or toothbrush.

Bleeding

A certain amount of bleeding is to be expected following surgery. Slight bleeding, oozing, or redness in the saliva is not uncommon for up to 24 hours following surgery.

Normal Bleeding

  • If given gauze, change it as directed every 30 minutes until the active bleeding has subsided (usually 2-3 hours).
  • Make sure you apply good firm pressure to the gauze.
  • You may remove the gauze to begin drinking, but return fresh gauze to the extraction site(s) if bleeding is still present

Excessive Bleeding

  • May be controlled by first rinsing or wiping any old clots from your mouth, then placing a gauze pad over the area and biting firmly for 30 minutes. Repeat if necessary.
  • If bleeding continues, bite on a moistened tea bag for 30 minutes. The tannic acid in the tea bag helps to form a clot by contracting bleeding vessels. Be sure to apply constant pressure. Remain quiet in a seated position for 20 to 30 minutes. Repeat until bleeding is controlled.
  • To minimize further bleeding, do not become excited, sit upright, and avoid exercise.
  • After these directions have been followed in detail and bleeding does not subside, call for further instructions.

Swelling

The swelling that is normally expected is usually proportional to the surgery involved. Swelling around the mouth, cheeks, eyes and sides of the face is not uncommon. This is the bodys normal reaction to surgery and eventual repair. The swelling will not become apparent until the day following surgery and will not reach its maximum until two to three days post-operatively.

  • The swelling may be minimized by the immediate use of ice packs. Two plastic bags filled with ice, or ice packs should be applied to the sides of the face where surgery was performed. The ice packs should be left on continuously while you are awake. After 24 hours, ice has no beneficial effect.
  • If swelling or jaw stiffness has persisted for several days, there is no cause for alarm. This is a normal reaction to surgery. Twenty-four hours following surgery, the application of moist heat to the sides of the face is beneficial in reducing the size of the swelling.

For more information about After Exposure and Bond or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Dudziak, Dr. Choi, Dr. Hicke, Dr. Paxman, Dr. Kim or Dr. Hanna, call one of our offices.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food, spicy foods, and foods with seeds. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.

Pain

Post operative discomfort is normal after oral surgery procedures. Start taking the pain medication before the local anesthesia or numbness wears off. Please use the following instructions to help control the amount of discomfort that you may have:

For Severe Pain

  • For the first 24-72 hours, please take the pain medication as prescribed by your doctor. The prescribed pain medicine will make you groggy and will slow down your reflexes. Do not drive an automobile or work around machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Be sure to eat something prior to taking pain medication to reduce nausea.
  • If your doctor has not prescribed any Motrin/ibuprofen, you may take 400 – 600mg of Motrin/ibuprofen every 6 hours in addition to your prescribed medication.
  • Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside more and more every day.
  • If pain persists, it may require attention and you should call the office.

For Moderate Pain

  • One or two tablets of Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every 4 hours or 1 2 tablets of Motrin/ibuprofen may be taken every three to four hours.

CAUTION

  • Do not take any additional Tylenol if you are taking a prescription medications
  • Do not take any Motrin/ibuprofen if you have any stomach problems such as ulcers
  • If you have any questions, please contact your doctor’s office.

Oral Hygiene

No rinsing of any kind should be performed until the day following surgery. You can brush your teeth the day after surgery but rinse gently. The day after surgery you should begin rinsing at least five to six times a day with a cup of warm water mixed with a teaspoon of salt especially after eating.

REMEMBER: A clean wound heals better and faster.

Activity

Keep physical activities to a minimum for one week following surgery. If you are considering exercise, throbbing or bleeding may occur. If this occurs, you should discontinue exercising. Be aware that your normal nourishment intake is reduced. Exercise may weaken you. If you get light headed, stop exercising.