At Associates In Oral and Facial Surgery, we realize that having any surgery can be stressful. Our desire is to have your post-operative course progress as smoothly as possible. These instructions provide some general guidelines with regards to post-operative care; your doctor may give you additional instructions as well. Thank you for choosing Associates In Oral and Facial Surgery.

Procedure

You have had a procedure to expose a tooth that is malpositioned. Your orthodontist may have suggested this as an alternative to extraction. Although there is a chance that the procedure won’t work its rate of success is very high. Please schedule an appointment with your orthodontist within a week of the surgery to have the chain engaged. If you did not have a chain placed you may still need to see the orthodontist to find out your next step.

Bleeding

If gauze has been placed following your surgery, continue to bite applying pressure to the area for approximately one hour after surgery. Gauze may be changed at hourly intervals until the bleeding has stopped. When replacing gauze be sure to moisten with water so it does not stick to the tissue, as this can cause it to bleed more. Some blood in the saliva is normal up to 72 hours. If sutures have been placed they will dissolve on their own in 7-10 days. If non-dissolving sutures are placed you will be notified and will be removed at your post-op appointment.

Physical Activity

You may not operate a motor vehicle or hazardous device for at least 24 hours after surgery. Also, if you are taking narcotic pain medication you cannot operate any vehicle or hazardous device while taking the medication. No sports activities are aloud until after stitches are removed.

Rinsing

You should not rinse your mouth for at least 24 hours after the surgery. After that period you should rinse your mouth at least 4 times a day with warm salt water (1 teaspoon to 8 oz in a cup of water) for one week postoperatively.

Ice / Heat

An ice/heat pack (provided) should be applied to the area for at least 24-48 hours after the surgery at 20 min intervals. If using the provided ice pack always place it with the cloth side toward the face to prevent scolding or burning. This will minimize swelling and aid in pain relief. If you have had your procedure in the roof of your mouth popsicles may be used as well.

Diet

You need to maintain a soft diet(mashed potatoes, soft pasta, scrambled eggs, etc…)for at least two weeks after the procedure. Their should be no biting into sandwiches, pizza, fruits, vegetables or anything that would require you to bite or tear, this could cause your teeth to move or the chain to disengage. Be sure to eat prior to taking any pain medication.

Medication

You have been given a prescription for antibiotics and pain medication. Please have it filled and take as directed on the bottle After Eating. If you find you are still uncomfortable pain medication may be alternated with anti-inflammatory (Ibuprofen 600-800mg, Aleve, Advil, Motrin) every 3 hours if need be to help with pain and inflammation. Make sure you eat before each dose of pain medication as it can make you very nausea’s. An anti-nausea has also been provided if you needed.

Swelling

DO NOT is alarmed by swelling, as this is a very common occurrence. Swelling will INCREASE over the next 72 hours then start to dissipate slowly over the next few days. Their may also be a change in tissue color due to hematomas (blood) under the tissue, or equipment that may have been used such as a cautery. This to will change as healing takes place.

Follow Up

An appointment will be made for follow-up for one week after your surgery. If you have any questions or concerns before or after that appointment please feel free to call our office during regular business hours.

Emergencies

If you have any questions regarding a condition, it is best to call the office during REGULAR OFFICE HOURS. A follow-up office visit is provided as a courtesy at no charge. If you have a TRUE emergency, the doctor or his assistant can be reached 24 hours a day 7 days a week by calling the appropriate office number below:

Palm Harbor Office, (727) 786-9600

New Port Richey Office, (727) 849-8100