Post-op Instructions

North Coast Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Inc.

ORAL SURGERY POST OPERATIVE INSTRUCTION

Swelling, discomfort, and restricted jaw function are to be expected.
Remove gauze upon returning home. Slight bleeding (slow trickle) is expected. If heavy bleeding (a steady flow), place a gauze or moistened tea bag over the wound and bite firmly for 1 hour with CONSTANT PRESSURE.
For pain, it is preferred that you treat pain preventatively, ideally taking something BEFORE the local anesthesia starts to wear off. We recommend taking Ibuprofen/Motrin 600mg every six hours. If needed, you may also take Tylenol 500mg every 6 hours. By alternating Ibuprofen and Tylenol, you can take something every 3 hours for optimal relief.
In addition to the Ibuprofen/Tylenol combination, if you are taking a narcotic pain medication, do not drive, work, or exercise machinery.
Apply ice packs to the jaw 20 minutes on/ 20 minutes off for the first 48-72 hours. On day #4, a warm moist compress can be used to reduce swelling. Keeping your head elevated on two pillows will also help reduce swelling. Swelling normally increases before it decreases, with peak swelling expected on the 3rd day after surgery.
Drink lots of fluids and eat soft foods.
On the day of surgery, do not rinse, spit forcefully, or drink through a straw. Spitting and rinsing may dislodge the clot.
The day following surgery, brush your teeth and use salt water rinses (1 teaspoon salt in a cup of warm water) after each meal. Use the prescription antibacterial mouthrinse twice daily as prescribed.
DO NOT SMOKE for 3 days after surgery. Smoking interferes with the formation of a scab, and it significantly increases your risk of healing problems.
Antibiotics may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Women on birth control are advised to take additional precautions.