Do not brush your teeth, rinse your mouth or spit for 24 hours.
Do not drink through a straw for 7 days post-surgery.
Do not disturb the surgery site or over-exert yourself. It may cause bleeding, irritation, or infection.
The day after surgery, resume normal brushing & use a warm saltwater rinses (1/4 teaspoon salt in a glass of warm water) every 2-3 hours for 3 days.
Pain and swelling are normal and expected following surgery and may last 7-14 days. Do not be alarmed if the third day following surgery is the worst.
Take Ibuprofen 600mg and Tylenol 500mg every 6 hours OR Ibuprofen 800mg and Tylenol 500mg every 8 hours.
No more than 4,000mg of Tylenol should be taken per day. Be aware that some narcotic pain medications might contain Tylenol.
Medications: You may have been given the following medications:
Narcotic pain medicine: This should be taken as needed and only when Ibuprofen and Tylenol are not enough to control the pain. While taking prescription pain medication, do not drive or operate heavy machinery. Be sure to eat something prior to taking pain medication to prevent nausea.
Antibiotic: If prescribed, this should be taken as directed until gone. Be aware that some antibiotics can reduce the contraceptive effect of birth control pills. Please contact your gynecologist or pharmacist if you have concerns.
Narcotic analgesics tend to cause constipation. Keep bowel movements normal by using a mild laxative if necessary.
Following surgery, you should eat a soft diet for 3-4 days. Avoid chewing over surgical sites until instructed otherwise by your doctor. You should supplement your diet with plenty of fluids & gradually return to your normal diet as tolerated. Avoid spicy foods for two weeks.
No strenuous activity until recommended by your doctor. Avoid alcohol or smoking during the first week following surgery.
Ice packs may be used for the first 24 hours after surgery to reduce swelling. Rotate ice pack on & off or side to side every 20 minutes for 24 hours. Swelling is usually greater 3 days after surgery and may last about a week. If you continue to have swelling on the 5th and 6th days, or if the swelling goes down and then begins to worsen, you should call our office.
You may have sutures placed in your mouth to control bleeding and hasten healing. They will dissolve on their own over 1-2 weeks. Occasionally non-resorbable sutures are placed & will need to be removed in 1-2 weeks.
If bruising is present after 5 days, begin using a warm moist compress for the next 3 days. Do not use a warm compress during the first 4 days after surgery.