Richard H. Bruckner D.D.S. Oral Surgeon, Information for Post Operative Oral Surgery

Instructions and Information for Post Operative Oral Surgery

Proper care of the mouth following most oral procedures can reduce complications and speed healing of the surgical area. Any surgical procedure in the mouth may be followed by some oozing, swelling, and discomfort. It is important that these instructions be followed carefully.

If you are in doubt about anything then please call this office

A gauze pack has been placed over the surgical area. This pack should be held in place with moderate biting pressure to help control the bleeding. Approximately one half hour after arriving home you may remove the gauze pack. This gauze will need to be replaced as there is usually some slight bleeding following tooth extractions. Once the bleeding has stopped or if there is very minimal oozing, the gauze may be removed. Remove this gauze prior to sleep.

Bleeding: A certain amount of bleeding is expected following oral surgery. Blood tinted saliva may be seen for about 48 hours. If bleeding occurs after you arrive home, fold a small gauze pad (to the size of a quarter) and place directly over the bleeding socket for 60 minutes, holding it in place with moderate biting pressure. It will be necessary to repeat this procedure. If you out of gauze, you may use a regular tea bag, slightly moistened. Tea contains a chemical, which helps to control bleeding. If bleeding persists, contact this office.

Do not smoke for 2-3 days following surgery: Smoking will increase bleeding and pain and may cause complications with the surgery.

Do not drink alcohol for at least two days following surgery. This will also increase bleeding from the surgical area.

Excessive physical activity and forceful spitting tend to increase and prolong bleeding as does bending over and lifting. Resting in a semi-reclining position with the head elevated is recommended for the first day. No strenuous activity for the first week following surgery.

Swelling: Some swelling is expected following surgery and this will vary depending on the difficulty of the surgery and each persons own response. To help minimize the immediate swelling, apply an ice pack to the face while awake, during the first 24-36 hours after surgery. The ice pack should be applied for 15-20 minutes “on” and 15-20 “off”. Apply ice to all surgical areas.

You may also suck on ice chips or crushed ice. This thins the saliva, keeps the surgery site cold and reduces swelling.

It is important to remember that swelling from surgery may be greatest on the second to third day. It is almost Normal to have no swelling on the night of surgery and to be the most swollen on the third day, especially following wisdom teeth extraction. The swelling should start to subside on the fourth day.

Do not apply heat to your face: Unless requested to do so.

Rinsing: Do not rinse your mouth or brush your teeth the day of surgery. After 24 hours you may begin to rinse your mouth out with salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt to 8oz. water). You may do this for several days as this promotes cleansing and healing. Food particles, which may have lodged in the surgical site, will be flushed away. If bleeding persists, stop rinsing and follow the instructions under ‘bleeding’.

Do not rinse with mouthwash for at least one week as this will tend to break down the blood clot and may cause bleeding.

Brushing: We encourage you to begin brushing your teeth after the first 24 hours with a soft tooth brush. You can run the brush under hot water to further soften the bristles and make it more comfortable.

Pain: A certain amount of discomfort following oral surgery is not uncommon. All pain medications should be taken with food, while antibiotics should be taken on an empty stomach. If stomach upset occurs the take all medications with food. If you are not comfortable or the pain medication is not working then contact this office.

Diet: It is important to maintain a good diet following surgery. Liquids are recommendable for the first one to two days. This included plenty of water, juices, milkshakes, or lukewarm soup. Cool is preferred over hot as heat may cause bleeding. Following the day of surgery, it is suggested that you eat soft foods that require little chewing, i.e. cream of wheat, scrambled eggs, soft cooked vegetables, and noodles. You may return to your normal diet as soon as tolerable.

Do not use a straw, drink from a bottle, or spit as this may dislodge the blood clot and cause bleeding.

Sleep: the first two nights after surgery we recommend that you sleep on 2-3 pillows so that your head is elevated. This will keep both swelling and bleeding to a minimum.

Nausea: This may be caused by swallowing of blood, taking medications on an empty stomach, or occasionally due to surgery or anesthesia. If nausea occurs, a few sips of a carbonated drink such as gingerale or 7-up may help. If tolerated bland food such as crackers may also help. If the nausea persists please call this office.

Stitches: Stitches may have been placed during your surgery. Both dissolving (clear or tan) and non-dissolving (black) may have been used. You will be asked to return in approximately one week for their simple removal.

Drowsiness: patients should always be careful following surgery because anesthetics and pain medication will make you unsteady and dizzy. Drowsiness is common after an anesthetic and should be expected to last for the rest of the day. The patient should not be left unattended for the remainder of the day.

Calls after office hours will be received by the answering service and will promptly be returned.

If something doesn’t ‘seem right’ or in case of an emergency, do not hesitate to call our office promptly. (805) 522-0332

Telephone
805-522-0332

FAX
805-522-8350

Street Address
2796 Sycamore Dr., Suite 202, Simi Valley, CA 93065
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