Post-operative Instructions

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DAY OF SURGERY

  1. Do not rinse or brush your teeth or look at the area of surgery!
  2. Take Ibuprofen every 8 hours to control most of your pain and inflammation! If given.
  3. Take 1-2 Tylenol every 4-6 hours if you have pain and it’s not yet time for the Ibuprofen.
  4. If Ibuprofen & Tylenol are not controlling the pain also take Tramadol or a Narcotic
  5. Apply pressure with gauze as instructed to control bleeding
  6. Do not eat or drink anything hot or warm for 24 hours to control bleeding
  7. Cold liquids are important for reducing swelling, discomfort, and bleeding. Sip on ice water, iced tea, frozen yogurt, milkshakes, or similar cold liquids and keep the surgical area cold for the remainder of the day.  Don’t use straws, suction can cause bleeding.
  8. Place Ice pack(s) over the treated area, on the outside of the face for 10 minutes, 2 times per hour when awake for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling

ACTIVITY

  1. After leaving the office, relax. Avoid strenuous activity for 3 days, take it easy, the less you do the better you will feel and less swelling. If taking a sedative don’t drive, watch children, make serious decisions or operate machinery for at least 8-10 hours!

BLEEDING

  1. Remove any gauze in your mouth when you get home. Replace every 20-30 minutes until bleeding has stopped or is minimal. You may have a pink discoloration of your saliva for up to 24 hours.
  2. Active Bleeding: If bright red, constant or heavy, place 2 rolled pieces of gauze next to the spot that is bleeding with firm pressure.
    • Remove the gauze after 20 minutes and repeat until the bleeding has stopped.
    • If heavier bleeding; use a black tea bag dipped in ice water, wrap a piece of gauze around it, and then bite down for 20-30 minutes.
  3. Liver Clot: If you get a clot that looks like liver, remove it by wiping it off with gauze soaked with ice water until you can see where the bleeding is coming from. Then place new gauze at that spot for 20 minutes, repeat until bleeding stops.
  4. Call if you have heavy bleeding that will not stop or have prolonged bleeding over 24 hours

FIRST WEEK  AFTER SURGERY

Take medications as prescribed including Antibiotic, Ibuprofen & Tylenol

PAIN MEDIATIONS

  1. Ibuprofen – is the best for pain control. Take it every 8 hours & as needed for at least 3 days! It is also great for inflammation.
  2. Tylenol – Also works well for pain and can be taken every 4-6 hours with Ibuprofen
  3. Narcotic pain relievers (Tramadol & Norco). Although severe pain is unusual, you can take 1 pill every 4 hours as needed in addition to Ibuprofen.  It can cause drowsiness, & nausea. It is best if taken at bedtime.
  4. Your pain level should peak at days 3-4 and then get better over the next 7-10 days.

ORAL HYGIENE

  1. Rinse with mouthwash. Use either over-the-counter Biotene, Closys, a mouthwash without alcohol, or even saltwater. Starting the day after surgery gently swish for 1 minute, 2-3 times per day, after breakfast, lunch, and bedtime.  This will help keep the area clean during healing.
  2. Remove, Clean & Replace any temporary oral appliances with toothbrushes & toothpaste
  3. DO NOT floss or use a water-pik in the areas of surgery until your post-operative visit.
  4. You can lightly brush your teeth in the area of surgery after 1 week.

SWELLING

  1. Some swelling may be present and may peak at 48-72 hours after surgery.
  2. Place Ice packs over the treated area, on the outside of the face for 10 minutes 2 times per hour when awake for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling
  3. Warm compresses will reduce swelling and bruising after 36 hours if needed.

SORE THROAT

There is a possibility of developing a sore throat, the muscles of the throat are near injection sites.  This is normal and should subside within 2-3 days.

CRACKED LIPS

If the corners of the mouth are stretched, they may dry out and crack.  Your lips should be kept moist with a lip ointment.

DIET

High protein soft foods and liquids are important during the 3-5 days postoperatively. Soft, cool foods that require little or no chewing are most easily tolerated at this time, and then let comfort be your guide!  Examples:  Smoothies, Soups, eggs, pancakes, broiled fish, mashed potatoes, macaroni & cheese, and cooked vegetables. Ensure, Carnation Instant Breakfast and/or yogurt supply added nutrition.  Avoid straws – Do not chew anything until the numbness wears off – ranges between 4-8 hours after you leave the office.  Soft Green leafy Vegetables such as canned spinach help with clotting.

FOODS TO AVOID

Chips, foods with sharp edges, nuts, crunchy foods, anything with seeds, spicy, chewy, hard or sticky candy, etc.

SMOKING CIGARETTES / PIPES /VAPING

This is a good time to quit.  Please, discuss this further with us and/or consult your physician.  We ask that you quit smoking 1-2 weeks prior to surgery and then 1-2 weeks after – smoking delays healing and can cause complications.

SENSITIVITY

Teeth may be sensitive to hot, cold, & sweets – this is normal and will go away in 2-3 months

LOOSE STITCHES

Sutures/Stitches are placed to hold the gum tissues in position for ideal healing but can loosen or come out before your follow-up appointment; this is normal.

POSSIBLE FEVER

A slight fever is possible for a day or so.  Fever may be caused by inadequate fluid intake.  If you have a high fever (above 100.5) call Dr. Wolf.

CONTACT INFORMATION – EMERGENCY

NOTIFY THE OFFICE IF

  • Your medications do not relieve your discomfort.
  • If you develop a fever above 100.5
  • If you have any unusual swelling, uncontrolled bleeding or discharge.
  • If you develop any changes in vision or balance.

CONTACT INFO

During Office Hours – Call Legacy Periodontics & Implants Phone Number 248-380-8020

After Office Hours – Call/Text DR. WOLF: 248-561-4771 or TRACI: 586-306-0660