Post-Op Instructions
Table of Contents
Bleeding
Bleeding is expected! Typically, this may last for 24-48 hours. It is normal for saliva to be slightly streaked with blood for 1-2 days.
Keep gauze pack in place with firm pressure for 30-45 minutes (or longer if needed).
DO NOT CHEW ON THE PACKS!
If you are still bleeding, repeat with new gauze pack for another 30-45 minutes for several attempts. If you run out of guaze, and are still bleeding heavily, follow these steps:
- Take a plain tea bag
- Lightly moisten with water
- Place over the extraction
- Bite down with firm pressure for 30-45 minutes
- Repeat as needed
If bleeding is still a concern, please don’t hesitate to call the office at Charlotte Oral Surgery Phone Number 704-358-8898
Numbness
When you leave the office you will still be numb (in some, but not all patients, we will give a long-lasting numbing medicine in order to provide you with a longer interval of pain relief).
If the longer-lasting numbing medecine has been given, then the numbness will last between 6-12 hours (give or take a few).
If it lasts longer don’t be alarmed.
Swelling and Stiffness
This is normal following surgery and will usually develop during the first 24-48 hours (but may worsen over the first 3-4 days); do not be alarmed.
Placing an ice pack around your head for this 3-4 day time frame (where the ice will be on the side of your cheeks next to the surgical site) for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off (or as tolerated) will help minimize swelling.
Ice packs are refreezable. You may use warm heat on the 5th day after surgery to help with stiffness. If swelling increases, stop hot packs and call the office.
Pain
Following surgery it is normal to experience some discomfort. If you take Motrin before the numbness wears off, most people will be able to manage the discomfort.
Take all medications, including Motrin 600mg, with a milk shaek (no straw), or on a full stomach.
You can use the “Sock-It” gel at any time, by squirting a small amount in the extraction site(s).This gel will help with discomfort at the site of the surgery, and may diminish your need for the narcotic.
If you need something after 3-4 hours after taking Motrin, you can take the pain medecine (or narcotic) Norco (do not drive, or do any potentially dangerous activity, while taking this medication).
Always ear prior to taking all medications, and start with 1/4 to 1/2 tabs (of the Norco) to see how you handle this medecine (you may need to purchase a pill-splitter from your pharmacy).
On the 1st day after surgery, you can begin to use Chlorhexidine Mouth Rinse. Lightly swish and let it fall out of your mouth. No spitting. Use only for a week.
Diet
Liquid or soft diet is advisable during the first 24-48 hours. Some food examples are:
- Milkshakes
- Applesauce
- Eggs
- Soft Pasta
- Yogurt
- Jello
Try to stay away from the following foods:
- Chips
- Beans
- Rice
- Popcorn
- Spicy Foods
These may cause some discomfort. While numb, eat only foods which will not burn (hot foods eaten while numb may burn the lips or tongue).
Brushing
Do not brush the day of surgery. The next day, you can gently start brushing your teeth but stay away from surgical site(s).
Rest quietly and keep your head elevated. Avoid exercising for at least a week. No sucking through a straw or spitting, and absolutely no smoking for at least 2-3 weeks.
A responsible adult is required to stay with patient for 12-24 hours immediatlely following sedation surgery.
It is our office policy that NO prescription drugs or refills will be phoned in after office hours or on the weekend.
Office Hours
Calls received after office hours will be returned using a phone that has a BLOCKED number, therefore, if you have a blocking mechanism installed on your phone (which prevents receiving calls whose phone numbers are blocked) we will NOT be able to contact you after office hours.
Please remove or temporarily shut off this blocking mechanism if you have a need to page the doctor on-call after office hours.