Treatment Instructions

Pre – Treatment Instructions

Special consideration must be give to care of the mouth following removal of teeth or other surgery of the mouth and jaws. Proper home treatment is important and will help speed your recovery. Our interest in your case does not cease with the completion of the operation. If any difficulty arises after your dismissal, do not hesitate to telephone or to return for observation.

1. Pain. Surgical operations in the highly sensitive mouth or jays can be expected to produce some postoperative pain. Pain may be experienced in the ear, under the lower jaw and in the temple region. If a prescription has been given, take the medication at the first sign of discomfort with a carbonated drink. Avoid excessive work or play for at least 24 to 48 hours since over- exertion may initiate or intensify your discomfort.
2. Mouth Rises. Do not raise the mouth for 24 hours after surgery. On the second day after surgery you may use a solution of ½ teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water for mild rising. Use no mouthwash unless specifically so advised. Don not rinse your mouth vigorously or very often as the blood clot may be disturbed and healing delayed.
3. Bleeding. You can anticipate some oozing of blood for about the first 24 to even 48 hours following surgery. The best treatment for bleeding is constant, firm pressure applied to the bleeding area by means of gauze packs placed in such a manner that when you close your mouth pressure is applied to the area. You may substitute the gauze with a moist tea bag. Avoid Kleenex or other paper tissues as these tend to irritate and promote bleeding. If profuse bleeding continues call the office. Drinking straws are not recommended; their use tends to dislodge the blood clot.

4. Swelling. This is a frequent response to oral surgery and may persist for as long as a week. The swelling may be more noticeable on the second or third day following surgery before beginning to subside. To help control swelling, place an ice or cold pack to the side of the face, 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off. Cold should only be applied for the first 24 hours after surgery.
5. Diet. Proper nourishment is desirable to promote healing. A bland diet rich in protein and sifter type food is recommended. Avoid brittle and hard foods that are difficult to chew for the first 48 hours. Liquids should be taken freely. You should drink a minimum of a quart of liquids in small quantities each day. Tobacco and alcohol should be discontinued for the first three days following surgery n the mouth, since both have been proven to interfere with a normal healing process.
6. THE FOLLOWING OCCURNACES FREQUENTLY COOCUR AND ARE NOT CAUSE FOR ALARM:
   • Slight oozing of blood for 24 hours.
   • Swelling which occur within the first 24 hours.
   • Pain or discomfort which can be controlled by medications.
   • Discoloration of skin.
   • A slight elevation of temperature during the first 24 hours.
   • Unpleasant breath odor or “bad taste” in the mouth.
7. THE OFFICE SHOULD BE CONTACTED IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING COMPLICATIONS DO ARISE:
   • Profuse, uncontrollable bleeding.
   • Sever uncontrollable pain.
   • Swelling which begins after 48 hours following surgery.
   • Ant generalized skin eruption.
   • Any situation which is not covered by these instructions and which you feel should be brought to our attention.

Feel free to contact us if any doubt arises regarding your progress and recovery.

1. Please take prescribed antibiotics as directed. These are essential to prevent infections.
2. Use nose drops or other prescriptions as directed.
3. Refrain from any vigorous mouth rising.
4. Do not smoke.

5. Do not blow your nose. If necessary, just wipe or blot with a tissue. Some discharge (perhaps containing blood) may be expected for the first few days.
6. Avoid sneezing if possible. Heavy pressure with figure against upper lip will sometimes break the sneeze reflex. Failing this, if you must sneeze, open the mouth widely during the sneeze to avoid pressure in the nasal and sinus area.
7. Do not engage in sports such as scuba diving or snorkel swimming.
8. Strict adherence to these instructions may prevent the necessity of surgical closure at some later date.
9. Please call this office if you have any questions. (24 hours answering service)