Post-op Instructions

On the Road to Recovery

Immediately After Surgery

Proper post-operative care will lessen the chances of you developing complications. After surgery, the affected area must develop a blood clot to stop the bleeding.

Therefore, we ask that you gently bite on the gauze pad for 45–60 minutes after you leave the office. If the bleeding continues after that, place a new gauze pad on the area and bite firmly without putting too much pressure for another 30 minutes. You might have to repeat this process several times.

It’s important to form a blood clot in the affected area to prevent bleeding and to help prevent a painful side effect called Dry Socket.

General Continuing Post-Operative Care

• DO NOT spit or rinse for 24 hours after surgery.
• Avoid strenuous activity and exercise for 3–4 days after surgery.
• Use ice packs on the side of your face to reduce the pain and inflammation for the first 48 hours. The rotation is 20 minutes with the ice pack on and 10 minutes to leave it off. Repeat as needed.
• Do not touch the surgical area with your tongue or fingers.
• Take over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen for mild discomfort for the first 3–4 hours. (If approved by your doctor).
• For severe pain, please take, as instructed, the post-operative prescription medication prescribed to you.
• Drink plenty of fluids, but don’t use a straw. Sucking could cause complications.

Post-Operative Oral Hygiene

For the first week, gently rinse your mouth with warm saltwater following meals. This will help flush out food particles and other debris lodged in the surgical area. Mix ½ teaspoon of salt in a small glass of warm water.

NOTE: Gently rinse but do not spit. Just let the fluid flow passively from your mouth.

Post-Operative Diet Instructions

Limit your diet to soft, non-spicy foods that are easy to chew and swallow. For example, yogurt, soups, fish, pasta, and milkshakes (no straw). Include plenty of cool drinks (no alcohol or carbonated beverages). Avoid any foods that could stick in your teeth, like seeds, popcorn, nuts, rice, etc.

Post-Operative Smoking Instructions

The recommended wait time for smoking after dental surgery is a minimum of 72 hours (5 days is preferred). The chemical toxins in cigarette smoke could result in inflammation, delay healing, and potentially cause dry sockets.

Are You Experiencing Post-Operative Issues?

If you have just had any type of surgical, or dental procedure and are experiencing post-operative issues, please Contact Tris J Carta DMD, MAGD General Dentistry, right away.