MEDICATIONS

Prescriptions were sent to your preferred pharmacy prior to your surgery appointment. Follow the instructions on your

bottle or package. Take all medications with food. Please inform us if you have any issues with the medications.

SWELLING & BRUISING

In some cases, swelling and external bruising may occur, extending under the eye and chin. Apply ice pack to the outside

of the face over the area of surgery at 10-minute intervals (10 minutes on / 10 minutes off) as much as possible for the

first 48 hours. Swelling usually peaks by the third day. Ice cubes in a plas(c bag, or a bag of frozen peas, work well for an

ice pack.

BLEEDING

Post-operative seepage is normal for several hours after the surgery and even overnight. Do not be concerned if traces of

blood are noted in the saliva up to 3 days after surgery. Do not rinse the mouth vigorously as disruption of the blood clot

may occur possibly leading to dry socket. If heavy bleeding continues, use the gauze from your post-op bag provided or a

damp tea bag to place firm pressure on the area for 30 minutes. If bleeding does not subside, please call us immediately.

SUTURES

If you have sutures placed, they will loosen and “hang” after swelling subsides. They are meant to dissolve completely.

This can occur one day post-operatively up to one week. All sutures are meant to dissolve within the mouth and it is fine

if you swallow them. They will likely come out in pieces. You may trim them carefully but DO NOT pull the sutures as

other materials may come out. DO NOT PULL YOUR LIP TO LOOK AT SURGICAL SITE. If you had grafting performed tissue

grafting or bone grafting), the surgery area will change in appearance from day to day presenting with a variety of colors

ranging from red/brown to white and pulling the lip to view the surgery site can loosen sutures and cause disruption of

healing.

FOR FREE GINGIVAL TISSUE GRAFTING:

If you had a free gingival tissue grafting procedure performed, a healing surgical dressing is applied to the roof of your

mouth. This will likely dislodge within 24-48 hours (which is normal). It may also stay in the oral cavity for up to a week, if

your tongue avoids disrupting it. It may be swallowed. There is also an overlying layer of tissue glue over the graft site.

This will become dislodged after 2-5 days. It is normal to become loose and it may be swallowed or spit out. If bleeding

occurs, place gauze pressure for 30 minutes. If bleeding does not subside, please call us immediately.

FOR SINUS PROCEDURES:

If you had a sinus procedure performed, DO NOT blow through your nose forcefully for two weeks. If you must cough or

sneeze, do so with your mouth open for two weeks. Keep your head elevated for the first 48 hours. Do not engage in any

strenuous activities for one week following procedure. Do not swim underwater or scuba dive/snorkel for a two-week

period.

MOUTH CARE

Do not use an electric toothbrush or waterpik surrounding your surgical site(s) un(l instructed to do so after your postop

appointment. You will be provided with a surgical soft toothbrush to use around the surgery site(s) during healing.

Gentle salt water rinse (1 teaspoon in 12 oz warm water) is to be performed approximately 2 (times/day. Begin day after

surgery and continue for 1-2 weeks. Do not vigorously swish!

NUTRITION

For the first two days following surgery, soft and COLD foods only. For the remainder of the two-week healing period

prior to your post-operative visit, soft foods only. No chips, nuts, popcorn or other sharp foods that could get lodged in

the surgical site. Do not use a straw for the first two weeks. Cut your food into smaller pieces and chew on the opposite

side of the surgical site as much as possible.

SMOKING/VAPING

Smoking and vaping are VERY detrimental to healing and will negatively affect the results of surgery. DO NOT SMOKE for

at least one week after surgery.

PHYSICAL EXERCISE & ACTIVITY

Plan to rest for the remainder of the day following surgery. Avoid heavy lifting and/or exercise (jogging, golfing, tennis,

diving, swimming) for 72 hours following surgery. These activities could cause further bleeding/discomfort as well as

disrupt the healing process.

CONTACT US

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call the office at 941-927-4308.