Immediately Following Surgery

Once your surgery was completed, our team placed gauze at your surgical site. We ask for you to keep it in place until you arrive home. The gauze plays an initial critical role in the healing process by helping a blood clot to begin. If the red bleeding persists, rinse with Listerine or the prescribed mouthwash by gently swishing the rinsing. Additionally you may place a tight ball of gauze at the bleeding surgical area and putting direct pressure on the gauze with your finger for 10 minutes. If you run out of gauze (note: there is gauze provided in your take home kit), a moistened tea bag can be used in place of gauze. You may have to do this several times.

Immediate application ice will minimize swelling. Apply an ice pack or small unopened bag of peas or corn on the cheek outside the surgical area as much as can be tolerated for 48 hours. After 48 hours, ice has no beneficial effect, and the application of heat to the sides of the face is more effective in reducing the swelling. The ice pack that was provided by our team can be heated in the microwave or in hot water on the stove. Swelling around the mouth, cheeks, eyes, and sides of the face is common following surgery. This is the body’s normal reaction to the surgery and plays a role in your healing. The swelling will not reach its peak until 36 to 48 hours post-operation. If swelling or jaw stiffness persists for several days, there is no cause for alarm. Everyone is a little different, and this is a normal reaction to surgery.

Before you leave our office, Dr. Clayhold will inform you of the ideal timing on your first dose of medicines for once you arrive home. You want to keep ahead of the pain and swelling. You will take 800 mg of generic Ibuprofen or Advil at breakfast, lunch, dinner and bedtime for the next 7 to 10 days. For over the counter Ibuprofen, this is purchased as 200 mg pills, so you will need 4 pills each dose. If you still have pain one hour after taking Ibuprofen, take EITHER Extra Strength Tylenol, aka Acetaminophen, every 6 hours OR the prescribed narcotic, Vicodin or Hydrocodone while still continuing the Ibuprofen. Do not drive or work around heavy equipment while taking the narcotic as it slows your reaction time. Please contact us at the office if you have any questions or for any clarification.

Drink plenty of fluids. DO NOT use a straw for two weeks!

The evening of your surgery you can rinse your mouth rinse with Listerine, or with chlorhexidine or Peridex™, if prescribed. This will help you keep a fresh taste and helps with healing. With Listerine, rinse 5 to 10 times a day, the prescribed rinse will be labelled for twice a day use. Ideally rinsing ever 4 hours and following meals to flush out particles of food and debris that may lodge in the surgical area.

Restrict your diet to liquids and soft and squishy foods, which are comfortable for you to eat. As the wounds heal, you will be able to advance your diet.

Other

•    It’s rare, but a sore throat may develop. The muscles of the throat re near the extraction sites. Swelling into the throat muscles can cause pain. This is normal and should subside in 2 to 3 days.

•    If the corners of the mouth are stretched during the procedure, they may dry out and crack. Your lips should be kept moist with an ointment like Vaseline™ or Chapstick™.

•    You may experience a very slight fever for 24 to 48 hours. This is a response of some of our patients to the medicines. If you are not already taking Tylenol, you may take it to help reduce the fever. If the temperature continues, notify our office.