Post-Operative Instructions for IV Sedation

Sometimes the after-effects of oral surgery are quite minimal, so not all of the instructions may apply. However, when in doubt follow these guidelines or call our office for clarification. Our office number is 843-762-9028.

Medication

• Antibiotics: Start taking the day before surgery and you may take your antibiotic the morning of surgery with a SMALL sip of water. Be sure to finish the entire amount prescribed.
• Pain Medication: Begin by taking 800mg of Motrin with the Phenergan within an hour after surgery. 2-4 hours after you take Motrin, begin taking your prescribed pain medication as needed.
• Phenergan: Anti-nausea medication. Take the day of surgery and then as needed.
• Medrol Dose Pack (Steroid): Take the first dose (six pills) with food the evening after surgery to reduce swelling. Proceed with your second dose the following day as prescribed.

First Hour

Bite down gently yet firmly on the gauze packs that have been placed over the surgical sites, making sure they remain in place. Do not remove them for the first 20 min. If active bleeding or oozing continues, place enough new gauze to obtain pressure over the surgical site for another 20 min. It is best to moisten the gauze with tap water to prevent sticking. The gauze may be changed thereafter as necessary.

Exercise Caution

Do not disturb the surgical area today. Do NOT rinse vigorously or probe the area with any objects. You may brush your teeth gently. DO NOT SMOKE or participate in any PHYSICAL ACTIVITY for 5-7 days, this is detrimental for healing and preventing dry socket.

Persistent Bleeding

Intermittent oozing and bleeding overnight is normal. Bleeding should never be severe. If so, it usually means that the packs are being clenched between the teeth only and no pressure is being applied to the surgical site. If bleeding persists you may substitute a tea bag (soaked in very hot water, squeezed damp-dry, and wrapped in moist gauze) for 20 min. If uncontrolled bleeding continues, please call our office.

Swelling

Swelling is often associated with oral surgery. It can be minimized by using a cold pack, ice bag or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel and applied firmly to the cheek adjacent to the surgical area. This should be applied 20 min. on and 20 min. off during the first 24 hours after surgery. If you notice swelling 3-5 days after surgery, you may apply warm compresses to the skin.

Pain

Unfortunately most oral surgery is accompanied by some degree of discomfort. You will usually have a prescription for pain medication. If you take the first pill before the anesthetic has worn off, you should be able to manage any discomfort better. Take your pain medication with food. If you do not achieve adequate relief at first, you may supplement each pain pill with an analgesic such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Some patients may even require two of the pain pills at one time. Remember that the most severe pain is usually within six hours after the local anesthetic wears off, after that your need for medication should lessen. If you find you are taking large amounts of pain medicine at frequent intervals, please call our office. If you anticipate needing more prescription medication for the weekend, you must call for a refill during weekday business hours. By day three, you should notice more comfort, although still swollen.

Diet

Avoid extremely hot foods. Do not use a straw for the first few days after surgery. It is best to avoid foods like nuts, popcorn, etc. which may get lodged in the socket areas. The sooner you return to your normal diet, the sooner you will feel better, gain strength, and heal.

Sharp Edges

If you feel sharp edges or something hard in the surgical areas, it is likely you are feeling bony walls which once supported the extracted tooth. Occasionally small slivers of bone may work themselves out during the following week or so. If pain or discomfort continues for one to two week, please call the office.

Oral Hygiene

Keeping your mouth clean after your surgery is essential. Gently rinse with warm salt water at least three times daily. You may brush your teeth gently. DO NOT use mouthwash for 3 days after surgery. If you are given a plastic irrigating syringe, DO NOT use it for the first five days.

It is our desire that your recovery be as smooth and pleasant as possible. Following these instructions will assist you, but if you have any questions about your progress, please call the office. Our answering service will contact the doctor for emergencies after hours. 843-762-9028.

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Post-Operative Instructions for Local Anesthesia

First Hour

Bite down gently but firmly on the gauze packs that have been placed over the surgical areas, making sure they remain in place. DO NOT change them for the first 20 min. unless the bleeding is not controlled. If the gauze needs to be changed, it is best to moisten it with water to prevent sticking.

Care

Do not disturb the surgical area today. DO NOT rinse vigorously or probe the area with any objects for 48 hours. DO NOT SMOKE for at least 48 hours as this is detrimental to healing and may cause dry socket. Keeping your mouth clean after surgery is essential. You may rinse with warm salt water and brush gently.

Diet

Eat normally; try to avoid extremely hot foods. Try to chew on the opposite side from the extraction. Do not use a straw for the first 48 hours after surgery. It is best to avoid foods like nuts or popcorn which may get lodged in the socket area.

Call Our Office

It is our desire that your recovery be as smooth and pleasant as possible. Following these instructions will assist you, but if you have any questions about your progress, please call the office. Our answering service will contact the doctor for emergencies after hours. 843-762-9028.

Print this Document