Follow instructions carefully to avoid unnecessary discomfort. Some discomfort is normal and to be expected. The level and duration varies between patients.
Take the prescribed or recommended pain medications as directed.
Rest
Rest quietly with your head elevated for the remainder of the day.
Always get up slowly from a reclining position to prevent dizziness.
Limit physical activity. To encourage rapid healing please REST!
Ice
As soon as possible, place an ice pack on your face over the surgical area; 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.
Use the ice pack for the first 6 hours following surgery. This will contribute to your comfort and minimize swelling.
Moist heat may be applied the day following surgery for added comfort.
Medication
Ideally, pain medication should be taken BEFORE numbness wears off.
If an antibiotic was prescribed, take it as directed until it is ALL GONE.
Some pain medications may cause lightheadedness. Lying down will help this.
Some medications may cause an upset stomach. Taking these with food will lessen this side-effect.
Mouth Care
Do not brush, floss, rinse and spit the day of surgery. This may dislodge the clot that has formed and cause bleeding.
Begin to brush the NON-SURGICAL area the day following surgery. Do not rinse vigorously for 2 days! Weak salt-water rinses may be used, GENTLY, to loosen food debris. You may begin to brush the surgical area 1 week after surgery.
When brushing the graft site, run your toothbrush under hot water first to soften the bristles.
Apply Perioscience Gel to the surgical site gently with your fingertip or a q-tip 3-5 times daily.
Eating
Maintain a balanced diet.
Eat softer foods such as pasta, eggs, yogurt, baked potatoes or hot cereal.
Avoid extremes: very hot, very cold, acidic foods, also hard or crunchy foods.
Avoid the use of alcohol for 2 days after the surgery or until you are no longer taking medication.
Fluids
Fluids should be consumed as soon as possible. It is recommended that you drink 6-8 glasses of water over the remainder of the day following surgery.
Avoid using a straw as it may cause a suction, which may loosen the blood clot and cause bleeding.
Bleeding
Slight bleeding from the surgery area is normal, however, extensive bleeding should not occur. If such bleeding should occur, apply firm pressure with moist gauze or a moistened tea bag to the area for 20 minutes.
If bleeding does not subside, please call! 727-799-6733
Swelling and Bruising
Some swelling often occurs and this is normal.
Bruising may occur in the surgical area as well as into your chin and neck area.
If fever accompanies swelling, contact us immediately! 727-799-6733
Smoking
We strongly advise NOT SMOKING after surgery. Smoking delays the healing, increases discomfort, and may encourage bleeding and infection in the surgical site.
