Good postoperative care is important in not only decreasing postoperative pain and complications but also in improving the surgical outcome.

SWELLING, DISCOMFORT AND RESTRECTED JAW FUNCTION ARE NORMAL AND EXPECTED, therefore they need not cause alarm. These conditions may be minimized by following the instructions below. Please read them carefully.

1. CONTROL OF HEMORRHAGE:
Change the gauze pack upon arriving home. Slight bleeding is expected and desirable. Roll the gauze (as instructed) and place over the wound with pressure. Change the gauze every 30 minutes to one hour until the bleeding has decreased. Avoid activities that cause a change of pressure in the mouth such as spitting, swishing aggressively, sucking on a straw. These activities will greatly increase and prolong the bleeding. Bleeding for 6 to 7 hours following bleeding is not unusual. Assume a semi-upright position. Avoid excessive physical activity for 48 hours.

2. CONTOL OF PAIN:
If you gave been given a prescription, have it filled and take as directed on the package. Make sure that you have adequate fluids or food in your stomach and are free of nausea prior to taking your pain medication. If you develop hives or a rash, discontinue all medication and immediately contact this office. WARNING: Do not drive or operated mechanical equipment after taking pain medication. The use of over-the -counter pain medications (e.g. Tylenol, Advil, etc.,) may adequately relieve minor pain when taken according to label instructions. Children should receive smaller doses. Be sure to check the label and follow directions carefully when giving children medication.

3. CONTOL OF SWELLING:
Swelling is normal following surgical procedures. This swelling may be quite noticeable, but it does not necessarily mean that there is an infection present. Swelling normally will increase up to 48 hours following your surgery. The maximum swelling is commonly on the third day following surgery. Continuous ice packs are of value starting on the day of surgery and should be continued for 2 days. If you feel the ice is cold enough to freeze the skin, then 20 minutes on, 20 off should be done. Keep head elevated with 2 pillows while at rest. After 48 hours, warm moist heat and warm salt water rinses will help to decrease the swelling.

4. DIET:
Be careful, you will be numb for several hours. A liquid diet is wise the day of surgery. A soft food diet (for example, ice cream, pudding, scrambled eggs) is recommended for another two days. Increase your fluid intake. Resume your normal diet when you can do so comfortably.

5. NAUSEA:
A small amount of carbonated drink (i.e., 7-Up, Coca-Cola or Ginger Ale) every hour for a few hours will usually terminate nausea. Follow this with mild tea or clear soup. The doctor may provide you with a prescription for nausea. Take these as directed. If nausea continues, contact this office for assistance.

6. ORAL HYGIENE:
Do not rinse with anything in an effort to cleanse or freshen the mouth for 24 hours. The day following surgery, the mouth may be rinsed gently with a warm slat water solution (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a large glass of warm water), after each meal and at bedtime. The teeth should be brushed lightly starting the day of surgery. Care should be taken to avoid the site of surgery. If you had implants placed, avoid using toothpaste while brushing your teeth for the first week following implant placement. Substitutes for toothpaste are baking soda, salt water or brush dipped in mouth rinse.

7. Smokers are advised not to smoke for 3 days following surgery.

8. To help your body recover from surgery, avoid over fatigue. Go to bed early at night and get adequate rest during the day. To avoid insomnia, do not sleep excessively during the day.

9. Vitamin supplements such as calcium, vitamins A, E, and C assist in the healing process.

INFORMATION CONCERNING ORAL PROCEDURES