1) AVOID RINSING TODAY You may rinse gently, without swishing with warm salt water before bed if bleeding has stopped for at least 3 hours.
2) ICE Apply ice packs to surgical areas all day - Do Not Compromise this, 20 min. on – 10 min. off (6-8 hours).
3) DIET Liquid/cold diet. Milk shakes, blender softened food, Jell-O or cottage cheese, are all acceptable. Do Not Use A Straw. Drink plenty of Vitamin C rich fruit juice.
4) MEDICATIONS Take medications as prescribed. See attached instruction sheet for Medications. Medications can be taken along with your other regular prescriptions, unless specified.
5) DO NOT DISTURB PROTECTIVE DRESSING/BANDAGE This dressing/bandage is for your comfort but should it come off, it is not an immediate concern. Call the office if the bandage comes off within the first 48 hours after surgery.
6) BLEEDING You may have some seepage for up to 24 hours after surgery. This is not unusual. If bleeding is more persistent, hold clean gauze over the area with firm pressure for about 5 minutes. Do not rinse. If bleeding does not stop, call the office or call the doctor at his home number. ICE compress is the best treatment for bleeding.
7) EXERCISE Avoid vigorous exercise for the next three days.
The Day Following Surgery
8) RINSING Begin warm salt water rinsing (1/2 tsp. Salt per 8 oz water) every two hours. Rinse very gently the first two days. Frequent rinsing should be continued the entire week. It helps.
9) SWELLING Swelling may be greater today and continue into the 3rd day. Swelling is normal – don’t be alarmed. The warm water rinse will help reduce swelling. Do not apply heat to the outside of the face. This will lead to greater swelling.
10) BRUSH USING YOUR RED POST–OP BRUSH IN AREA Brush the tops of the teeth that are not covered by the dressing. Keep mouth clean. Mouthwash may be used if you like. Listerine is recommended.
11) DIET Change to semi-soft foods such as eggs, ground meat, soups, fish or soft pasta. Be sensible. Stay away from spicy foods. Yogurt will help counteract the intestinal effects of antibiotics.
12) PAIN If you have objectionable pain that medication does not relieve – call the office. Smoking causes pain and delays healing.
