General Instructions
Bleeding
- Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for the first 24-48 hours.
- Excessive bleeding (your mouth fills up rapidly with blood) can typically be controlled by biting on moist gauze placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30-60 minutes.
- If bleeding persists, please call our office for further instructions.
- Do not sleep with gauze in your mouth.
Swelling
- Swelling is normal after surgery and tends to peak 3 days following the procedure.
- To help minimize swelling, apply an ice pack on the cheek in the area of surgery as much as possible for the first 24-48 hours.
- If you are able to take anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, these medications will also be helpful for swelling.
Diet
- Eat soft foods and drink plenty of liquids for several days following your procedure.
- Avoid hot liquids or food as these will promote bleeding and swelling.
- You may resume your normal diet after the first few days unless otherwise directed.
- Do not use a drinking straw for at least 5 days unless otherwise directed.
Pain
- Your doctor will discuss postoperative pain control instructions following your procedure.
- In general, you should begin taking pain medication as soon as you arrive home from your appointment.
- Take your medications with food, as this will help to prevent nausea.
- Do not take any medication if you are allergic to it, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it.
Oral Hygiene
- You may resume brushing your teeth as normal after surgery taking special care to completely avoid the surgical area(s).
- Be gentle and do not spit or rinse forcefully.
- Do not use mouthwash for at least 5-7 days unless directed otherwise by your surgeon.
Activity
- We recommend that patients have assistance with walking on the day of surgery as they will be quite unsteady.
- Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery and for the following week.
- Do not smoke. Tobacco delays healing and may cause increased postoperative pain.
- Do not drive on the day of your surgery.
- Do not go to work/school, drive a car, or operate any heavy machinery while taking narcotic pain medication if prescribed.