 Do not rinse or spit for 24 hours after surgery.
- Keep fingers and tongue away from socket or surgical area.
- Use ice packs on surgical area (side of face) for first 48 hours; apply ice 30 minutes on - 30 minutes off. Bags of frozen peas work well.
- For mild discomfort take Tylenol or Ibuprofen every three to four hours.
- For severe pain use the prescription given to you.
- Drink plenty of fluids. (Do not use a straw)
- If the muscles of the jaw become stiff, chewing gum at intervals will help relax the muscles, as well as the use of warm, moist heat to the outside of your face over these muscles.
- After the first post-operative day, use a dilute solution of Chloraseptic (one part Chloraseptic to one part warm water) or following meals for the first week to flush out particles of food and debris, which may lodge in the surgical area.
- Diet may consist of soft foods, which can be easily chewed and swallowed. No seeds, nuts, rice, popcorn, etc.
- A certain amount of bleeding is to be expected following surgery. Applying pressure to the surgical area using small rolled gauze for 30 minutes controls bleeding. After that time remove the gauze and then you may eat or drink. Continue using gauze until bleeding stops (approximately 6 hours, changing when saturated with blood and saliva). If bleeding persists, a moist teabag should be placed in the area of bleeding and bite firmly for 40 minutes. This will aid in clotting blood. Repeat if necessary. If bleeding still persists call our office.
- We suggest that you do not smoke for at least 72 hours after surgery. Nicotine may break down the blood clot and cause a "Dry-Socket".
Feel free to contact us if any doubt arises as to your progress and recovery. If you have a postoperative problem or question, call our office phone number, (425) 454-5091. If you have an after hours call of an emergency nature, call our office number and the answering service will contact Dr. Pellett, or the oral surgeon taking their calls.
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