Frequently Asked
Questions 
Post-Operative Instructions
What should I do after surgery?
Our office has prepared the following list of post-operative instructions for our
patients.
- Bleeding
- Fold two 2x2 gauze pads and place over the extraction site (sites). Gently bite to
apply pressure for 20 to 30 minutes. The pad should be thick enough that the
front teeth do not touch. This is the best way to stop bleeding and should be repeated as
often as needed. Rest with head elevated until bleeding stops. Do not expectorate (spit). Expectoration increases bleeding.
- Infection
- To prevent post-operative infection one should maintain good oral hygiene.
Starting 24 hours after surgery rinse mouth with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8
oz. of warm water) 4 to 6 times a day and brush teeth after meals and at bedtime. Avoid
vigorous rinsing and sucking on the wound. These actions increase bleeding.
- Swelling
- Swelling will become progressively worse after 3 days, and may not subside
completely for 10 days. The application of ice packs during the first 24 hours may help
reduce swelling. Apply for 20 to 30 minutes then switch sides. Do not go to sleep with
ice pack in place and be sure to wrap accordingly. A towel placed over a pillow is
helpful to prevent staining.
- Eating
- Good nutrition is necessary for proper healing. Following oral and maxillofacial
surgery it is often necessary to take a liquid or semi-liquid diet of soups, jello, puddings,
custards, and blenderized foods. Smaller multiple meals help one to consume adequate
nutrition. The NON - CHEW COOKBOOK, by Randy Wilson is an excellent source of dietary information for patients. Our office has recommended the cookbook since its inital publication.
- Smoking
- Smoking is detrimental to your health and healing after oral and maxillofacial
surgery. Do not smoke.
- Pain
- Post-operative pain should be expected and may be most severe the first day. It will diminish each day thereafter.
- Medications
- Take any medications prescribed by Dr. Tucker as indicated on the label. Do
not drive or do anything dangerous if you are taking pain medication. Nausea is a
common side effect of pain medications.
- Temperature
- A low grade fever is common after oral and maxillofacial surgery. Contact the
office for temperature of 100 degrees or above.
- Commercial mouthrinses
- Commercial mouthwashes should be diluted 1/2 by water.
- Activities
- Avoid exercise until clearance is given by Dr. Tucker. If you received a general
anesthetic or sedation do not drive, return to work, or return to school the day of your
surgery.
- Concerns
- Any difficulty which you consider abnormal contact our office immediately.
Madisonville Office 1-502-821-2611
Owensboro Office 1-502-926-4107
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mpeg ( 670 kb ) Last Modified: March 25, 1996
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