Proper post-operative care is very important. Unnecessary pain and complications such as infection can be minimized if these instructions are followed carefully.

The Day of Surgery

  • Restrict your activities the day of surgery and resume normal activity when you feel comfortable. If you have had sedatives or a general anaesthetic, it is recommended that you rest at home with adult accompaniment until symptoms of drowsiness and incoordination have subsided. DO NOT drive, operate machinery or drink alcohol for the next 24 hours or while taking narcotic medication.
  • Eating and drinking must begin once you are home. DO NOT use a straw to drink any liquids as this will increase bleeding and also can cause a dry socket. A soft diet is strongly recommended for the first 24 hours. Initially you may have difficulty swallowing due to the local anaesthesia. Therefore it is suggested start with applesauce, yogurt, ice cream or pudding, graduating to foods such as scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, pastas etc. To avoid burning your mouth while frozen allow hot foods to cool to warm temperature.
  • You will have gauze in your mouth after surgery. The gauze placed over the surgical area should be kept in place with moderate pressure until you arrive home. After this time, the gauze should be removed and discarded. Do not replace.
  • You must eat before beginning pain medication. Otherwise medication will cause upset stomach or vomiting.

Take the prescribed pain medications after eating . This will usually
coincide with the local anaesthetic diminishing. Constipation is a common
side effect of taking pain medications. Increasing your consumption of
fiber or taking a mild laxative should ease this condition

  • It is not uncommon to feel dizzy, drowsy, nauseated or experience some vomiting when taking prescribed medication. If these symptoms are severe or persistent, please call our office. If a rash or swelling develops, severe stomach cramps, or severe diarrhea stop taking your medication immediately and call our office.
  • Certain medications, such as antibiotics, may reduce or stop the effectiveness of the BIRTH CONTROL PILL. Ask your Pharmacist.
  • A small amount of bleeding is to be expected. It can be removed with a moistened cloth if you desire. If however you have a steady flow of blood pooling in your mouth determine the source of bleeding, place a moistened gauze over the area and bite down firmly for 30 minutes. If not successful, use a moistened teabag. Repeat if necessary. If bleeding persists, please contact our office.
  • Smoking is to be avoided for the next 72 hours as it may also cause a dry socket and delayed healing.
  • Do not rinse your mouth or spit on the day of surgery. Such activity may initiate bleeding by causing the blood clot that has formed to become dislodged. Resulting in a dry socket.
  • Begin cold compresses or ice packs to the sides of your face where surgery was performed, after eating, drinking and pain medication has been taken. Apply 15 mins on to decrease swelling and 30 mins off to allow blood flow for healing. Continue regularly for 24 hours.
  • You may also continue using cold compresses or ice packs to help ease pain and swelling.
  • Stitches may be used to control bleeding. Stitches usually dissolve within 3-5 days after the surgery.

Proper post-operative care is very important. Unnecessary pain and complications such as infection can be minimized if these instructions are followed carefully.

The Day After Surgery

  • Gentle warm salt water rinse and brushing of teeth should begin 24 hours after surgery. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water and rinse 3-4 times a day, especially after meals to keep wounds clean and encourage healing.
  • Lubricate your lips with Vaseline or any lip balm.
  • A mild temperature increase can occur after surgery. If your temperature goes higher than 38.5 °C or 102°F, please call our office.
  • Hospital general anaesthesia can cause a sore throat, a sore chest and generalized muscle aches and pains lasting up to 2 or 3 days.

Days 2-4 After Surgery

  • Swelling, bruising and discomfort in the face and neck peaks at this time period and is completely normal. You may also have difficulty opening your mouth due to swelling. Try using warm compresses on the sides of the face to help blood flow and for muscle relaxation. Continue this regime until symptoms have subsided.
  • You may wish to revert to a liquid diet if you’re having difficulty opening your mouth to chew.
  • If you are not returning for a post-operative visit you may be provided with a plastic hygiene syringe to use 1 week following your surgery, if recommended by your surgeon. Fill the syringe with warm water and flush the sockets gently after every meal. Continue until all food particles are flushed away. This routine must be continued for up to 4 weeks until the socket(s) has disappeared.