Post-Surgery Home Care Instructions
Now that you've made it through your surgery, here are some post-operative care tips for you to follow. These are designed to help minimize your after-surgery discomfort and inform you of any situation that may require special attention.
May it be wisdom teeth removal, or you got a new implant, or you had gum surgery or went through any other procedure related to surgery, this is how you can take care of your mouth to make your recovery more comfortable.
Wound Care
Bite firmly on gauze pack that has been placed until you arrive home, and then remove it gently.
Do not smoke 12 hours after surgery because this will promote bleeding and interfere with healing.
Bleeding
Blood may ooze from the area of surgery. You may also find blood stains on your pillow in the morning. This is normal. Do not panic.
When bleeding occurs, rinse slowly and then bite on moistened gauze.
Do not spit or suck through a straw, since this promotes bleeding.
(*When bleeding cannot be controlled with biting on gauze, contact us immediately.)
Discomfort
Some discomfort is normal after surgery. It can be controlled but not eliminated by taking the pain pills you were prescribed.
Take your pain pills with a full stomach and 1 glass of water when the pills cause nausea.
Do not drive or drink alcohol when you take your pain pills.
When fever occurs after surgery, take your usual anti-pyretics.
Diet
It is important to increase fluid intake after surgery.
Eat regular meals as soon as able. Cold soft diet such as ice cream or yogurt is most comfortable for the 1st 24 hours.
Oral Hygiene
Do not rinse or spit vigorously when rinsing. You can rinse with Povidone Iodine 1% gargle or Hyl-It mouth rinse or with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in warm water).
Brush your teeth using soft-bristled toothbrush before sleeping.
Apply petroleum jelly on lips to prevent chapping or dryness.
Swelling
Swelling after surgery is a normal body reaction. Maximum swelling will peak 48 hours after surgery and will usually last for 4 to 6 days.
Apply ice pack over the area of surgery for 20-30 minutes of every hour for the first 24 hours only. This will help with the swelling, pain and bleeding.
On the third day after surgery, apply warm compress on the area of surgery for 20-30 minutes of every hour.
Rest
Rest is strictly advised for the 1st 24 hours.
Avoid strenuous activities like sports, weight lifting, aerobics for 5-7 days after surgery.
Do not sleep on the operative side.
Keep your head elevated with several pillows or sit on a lounge chair.
Bruising/ Hematoma
Mild bruising on the area of surgery may also be expected. This will disappear in 7-14 days.
Stiffness
After surgery, you may experience jaw muscle stiffness and limited mouth opening. This will improve in 5-10 days or earlier when warm compress is done.
Stitches
Absorbable sutures need not be removed. It will dissolve in 14-28 days.
When non-absorbable sutures are used, these will have to be removed after 1 week to prevent suture tract infection.
Allergic Reactions
Stop all medications and call us immediately.