SURGERY POST-OP INSTRUCTIONS

Place ice pack on your face at the area of the surgery for the first 24 hours, 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off. The ice pack will minimize the swelling and bruising, which may last 1-2 weeks.

Bite on the gauze for 2 to 3 hours. Change the gauze if needed or until bleeding stops. If you run out of gauze, bite down on a moistened tea bag for 20 minutes (note: DO NOT use herbal tea bags.)

Do not rinse, nor spit for the next 72 hours. Premature rinsing and spitting may cause more bleeding or dry socket. Do not brush your teeth today. You may resume tomorrow.

DO NOT smoke for one week. DO NOT drink alcoholic beverage for the next 72 hours.

72 hours after your procedure, you may start to rinse your mouth with warm salt water (one teaspoon of salt for every eight ounces of warm water) after eating and before bedtime for one week or until your next check up.

DO NOT drink with a straw. This may cause more bleeding.

DO NOT eat or drink while the gauze is in your mouth.

Take your pain medication and antibiotic as directed.

Stay on a soft diet until you are able to chew.

If you had intravenous sedation, start with clear liquids, ie: broth, juice, and then a soft diet as tolerated.

If you get nauseous from IV sedation, take 2 teaspoons of Pepto-Bismol.

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