Postoperative Instruction for Patients Undergoing Minor Oral Surgery

By nature a surgical procedure will produce some degree of swelling, discomfort and restriction of jaw movement. These findings are different for each patient and are usually not severe. The following instructions are designed to address the most common problems and make your postoperative recovery as easy and as comfortable as possible.

Bleeding – A small amount of bleeding is to be expected following surgery. To minimize this, keep the gauze packs (a 2”x 2” square of gauze folded over twice) in place for at least 15-30 minutes, with light but firm pressure. Then remove the gauze and check to see if it is still bleeding at the surgery site. Remember, the used gauze packs will always have a small amount of blood on them, and therefore, look red, because they absorb blood directly from the clots, even after the site has stopped bleeding. If the bleeding continues you will need to repeat the above procedure, and you may need to do this several times. After replacing the gauze the second or third time you may rinse your mouth once, gently, to remove any blood that may have accumulated. Please do not continue rinsing on the day of surgery as this only encourages more bleeding. Finally, many patients will taste blood or experience some minor bleeding (i.e., on waking or after brushing) for the first 24 hours. This is normal and you should not be alarmed.

Pain – Aspirin, Tylenol or preparations such as Bufferin, Anacin or Advil (Ibuprofen) should relieve the discomfort associated with simple surgery. If more intense pain is anticipated, the doctor will prescribe the appropriate pain medication for your individual needs. Even if prescription pain medication is required for a day or two, many patients find that ibuprofen like medications are more effective several days after surgery to relieve discomfort.

Swelling – Control of swelling is difficult, but an ice pack applied to the face, especially for the first 4-6 hours after surgery will certainly help. A simple ice pack can be made by placing ice into a plastic bag and wrapping it in a wash cloth. Place the ice pack on the cheek for 20 minutes then take it off for 5-10 minutes. Repeat this cycle.

Diet – You will be most comfortable with liquids and soft foods for one or two days, then resume your normal diet. Avoid extremely hot food and liquids the first day post-operatively. Avoid drinking through a straw.

Oral Hygiene – Do no rinsing of your mouth the day of surgery. The day following surgery, you may begin to rinse gently with warm salty water (tsp. of salt in 8 oz. of water tap water). This should be done after meals and at bedtime for one week. You may brush and floss your teeth starting the day after surgery but try to avoid the surgery site.

Smoking – Smokers are advised not to smoke for at least for 24-48 after surgery. Smoking will contaminate the wound and increase the risk of infection as well as aggravating the bleeding and cause more pain.
If the above instructions are not clear, or you have a persistent problem, please call the office for assistance.