Please read these instructions carefully. Sometimes the after effects of surgery are quite minimal, so not all of these instructions may apply to all patients. Follow these instructions or the instructions given to you by Dr. Lee or his surgical staff.
Prescriptions
If you received a prescription for pain medication, follow the directions on the bottle. Take no other pain medication or sedatives without first discussing with Dr. Lee. Do not operate a motor vehicle or machinery (lawn mowers, etc.) while taking the pain medication. Beginning the day after your surgery you may start taking Ibuprofen, 400-600 mg with each meal until your soreness resolves. Do not take Ibuprofen if you have been intolerant of this medication in the past. Take with food if the medication upsets your stomach or causes nausea.
Bleeding
There is a folded piece of gauze over the surgical site. Bite firmly on the gauze for 30 minutes. If bleeding returns, place new folded gauze and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. Slight oozing of blood is normal for 12-24 hours. Do not sleep with the gauze in your mouth. Bleeding should never be severe. If so, it usually means that the packs are being clenched between teeth only and are not exerting pressure on the surgical areas. Try repositioning the packs more posteriorly. If bleeding persist or becomes heavy you may substitute a tea bag (soaked in hot water, squeezed damp dry, and wrapped in moist gauze) for 20 or 30 minutes. If you experience bright red bleeding, please call the office.
Pain
It is advisable that the first dose of pain medication be taken before the anesthetic has worn off to mange the discomfort better. It is best to take the medication with a snack or following a meal. If your pain increases dramatically several days after surgery, please notify the office.
Rinsing
DO NOT rinse or spit for 24 hours following surgery. Tomorrow begin gentle rinsing with warm salt water (one teaspoon table salt in 12 ounces glass of warm tap water) after each meal and at bedtime. You may carefully brush your teeth beginning the night of your surgery.
Diet
Take only liquids or very soft foods the day of surgery. Advance your diet the day following your surgery as tolerated. Avoid hot, spicy foods for one week. Do not use a straw for the first week following surgery. It is sometimes advisable, but not absolutely required, to confine the first day’s intake to liquids or pureed foods (soups, puddings, yogurt, milk shakes etc.) It is best to avoid foods like nuts, sunflower seeds, popcorn, rice, tortilla chips etc, which may get lodged in the socket areas. It is important not to skip meals. If you take nourishment regularly you will feel better, gain strength, have less discomfort and heal faster. If you are a diabetic, maintain your normal eating habits or follow instructions given by Dr. Lee.
Sharp Edges
If you feel something hard or sharp edges in the surgical edges, it is likely you are feeling the bony walls which once supported the extracted teeth. Occasionally small slivers of bone may work themselves out during the first week or so. If they cause concern or discomfort, please call the office.
Swelling
Swelling is normal during the first 2-3 days. An ice pack on each side of the lower jaw for the first 24 hours will decrease pain and swelling. Swelling can also be controlled by elevating your head on two pillows while sleeping. If your swelling dramatically increases after several days, please notify the office.
Smoking
Do Not Smoke for at least one week. The heat and toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke are harmful to healing wounds and increase the chance of dry sockets.
Stitches
You may notice some stitches in your mouth. These will dissolve over one or two weeks. Do not be concerned if you lose a stitch prior to your return appointment.
Irrigation
If directed by Dr. Lee, you may begin irrigating with the syringe provided 3 days after surgery. Irrigate the lower extraction sites with warm water 2-3 times per site after each meal or snack.
Problems
If any problems arise or if you have any questions, please call (931) 552-3292.