Post Operative Instructions to Patients Regarding Oral Surgery
It is important that you carefully read and adhere to the following postoperative instructions.
- Leave the gauze pack(s) in place for 15 minutes after you leave the surgery.
- If after removing the gauze pack(s) there is still some bleeding, replace with the fresh gauze pack(s) and bite down firmly for a further20 minutes. Repeat if necessary.
- It is quite normal to have a little blood in your saliva in the first few hours following surgery. If however you are concerned that there is excessive bleeding that has not been controlled by biting on the gauze packs provided please contact the surgery.
- You should have nothing to eat or drink for the first 2 hours following surgery.
- On the day of surgery avoid vigorous rinsing of your mouth.
- On the day following surgery you should gently rinse your mouth with warm salty water. You should do this first thing in the morning, last thing of an evening and after any meals. Continue this until healing has occurred.
- Avoid excessively hot/cold foods for the next couple of days.
- It is important to rest for the remainder of the day. If you lie down keep your head elevated with a couple of pillows. If you require a certificate for time away from work/school please ask.
- Use ice packs as frequently as possible in the first 24 hours to help minimise swelling.
- If you have been given a prescription for antibiotics it is important that you take them as directed. If you have any queries ask your pharmacist.
- Avoid smoking. Smoking adversely affects healing.
If you ever have any questions, or should difficulties arise as a consequence of your surgery, please do not hesitate to call us.
