Post-Operative Surgical Instructions

Home Care After Oral Surgery

Proper care after surgery plays an important role in healing and comfort. The following guidelines will help you manage common post-operative symptoms and support a smooth recovery. If you have questions or concerns at any point, please contact our office.

Bleeding

Light bleeding or blood-tinged saliva is normal during the first 24 hours. If bleeding becomes heavy, place a clean gauze pad directly over the surgical site and bite down with steady pressure for 30 minutes. If bleeding does not slow or continues excessively, please contact our office for further instructions.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal response after oral surgery. To reduce swelling, apply an ice pack or a bag of ice wrapped in a towel to the outside of your face near the surgical area. Use ice as frequently as possible during the first 24 hours following surgery.

Diet

Staying hydrated and choosing soft foods is important during early recovery. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid hot foods or beverages on the day of surgery. Soft foods and liquids are recommended initially, and you may return to your normal diet as tolerated unless otherwise directed.

Pain Management

Begin taking pain medication as directed once you leave the office. Be sure to eat something soft before taking pain medication to help prevent nausea. Take prescription medications only as instructed, and avoid alcohol, driving, or operating machinery while using them. Pain should gradually improve each day following surgery. If discomfort worsens or does not improve, please contact our office.

Antibiotics

If antibiotics were prescribed, take them exactly as directed. This helps prevent infection and supports proper healing.

Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene is essential for healing. Use the prescribed mouth rinse as directed, typically twice daily, and rinse gently for at least 30 seconds before spitting. Warm saltwater rinses (one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should also be used several times a day, especially after meals. Brush your teeth carefully, avoiding the surgical area at first. Be gentle as healing progresses.

Activity

Limit physical activity immediately following surgery. Strenuous activity can increase bleeding or swelling and should be avoided. Gradually resume normal activities as you begin feeling better and your energy returns.

Bruising or Skin Discoloration

Some discoloration of the skin may occur following surgery. Bruising can appear as blue, green, or yellow discoloration and is caused by blood spreading beneath the skin. This is normal and may appear two to three days after surgery; moist heat may help reduce discoloration more quickly.

Nausea and Vomiting

If nausea or vomiting occurs, avoid eating or drinking for one hour. After this period, begin sipping clear liquids such as ginger ale slowly. You may then try soft foods like crackers once nausea subsides and resume medications as directed.

Other Complications

• Numbness of the lips or tongue may persist temporarily after surgery. Be cautious to avoid biting these areas.

• A mild fever shortly after surgery is not uncommon. If it persists, contact our office.

• Dizziness may occur when standing up quickly. Sit upright for a minute before standing.

• Sharp areas in the mouth may be felt with the tongue. These are usually part of the normal healing process and typically smooth out over time.

• Dry or cracked lips may occur. Keeping lips moist with ointment can help.

• Sore throat or discomfort when swallowing may occur and usually resolves within a few days.

• Jaw stiffness or limited opening is normal and should gradually improve with time.

Final Notes

Sutures may be placed to aid healing and control bleeding. If a suture becomes loose, there is no cause for concern. Some sutures dissolve on their own within one to two weeks.

Pain and swelling should steadily decrease each day. If symptoms worsen, become unusual, or you have concerns during recovery, please contact our office. If you have any questions, we encourage you to call us at 978-242-0498.