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.

Bleeding

Some bleeding is expected after any surgical procedure due to inflammation of gingival tissue, wires and arch bar placement. Blood in the mouth also mixes with saliva and may appear to be more than it actually is because the body naturally reacts to having a new appliance in place. If you feel that the bleeding is excessive you may moisten some of the gauze provided (so it does not stick to already tender tissue) and apply pressure to the area for at least 30 min. this should reduce or stop any bleeding.

Physical Activity

You may not operate any vehicle or hazardous device for at least 24 hours after your release from surgery, or until fully recovered from the effects of the anesthesia medication. If you are taking narcotic pain medications, you may not operate any vehicle or hazardous device while you are taking the medication. You should not work and take narcotic pain medication. Any activity that could result in a blow to the area could ruin the work that has been done and should be avoided.

Rinsing / Rubber Band, Wax

You should rinse your mouth every 4 hours with warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water). Also use the oral rinse given to you 3 times a day by filling cup to the fill line (1/2 ounce) swish in mouth undiluted for 30 seconds. Brush your teeth and gums 3x a day as this will actually help reduce inflammation and bleeding of the surrounding tissue. It is important for you to keep your teeth together as tightly as possible you have been provided with rubber band to help aid in keeping your occlusion please change them as needed, your wires will start to loosen over time this is normal but if excessive you need to contact the office for a follow-up check and possible tightening. Wax is provided for you to use on any area that may be sharp to the tissue and can be applied as needed to prevent sores.

Ice / Heat

You may be instructed to place an ice/heat pack (provided) over the area of surgery upon returning home.(For cold place in freezer 1 to 2 hours, hot place in microwave 20 sec), BE CAREFUL NOT TO OVERHEAT THIS COULD CAUSE SCALDING OR RUPTURE. Place the ice on the affected area at 20 minute intervals. This will aid in the relief of pain and minimize swelling. After 48 hours, you may switch to a moist heat and continue for one week post-operatively if needed. If you had infectious swelling at the time of surgery you should use only heat as this will help the area to drain.

Diet

You will be on a liquid diet for 6 weeks. Boost and Ensure drinks are a good vitamin supplement, 3 cans a day. You should do the best you can to achieve good nutrition as it helps your body to heal. Attached is a cook book with recipes that are made in a blender to aid you with your diet.

Medication

If your have been given a prescription for medication, please have it filled and follow the instructions on the bottle, make sure you get some type of food or a drink in your system BEFORE taking your pain medication as it can be nauseating and make you feel sick or vomit. A non steroidal anti-inflammatory (Ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, or Aleve) may be alternated with your pain medication every 3 hours if needed for pain. Antibiotics are important to guard against secondary infection and help clear anything up that may have already been present.

Swelling

Do not be alarmed by swelling, as this is a very common occurrence. You may notice some tightness of the jaw muscles and various ached or pains about your face. Swelling increases for 72 hours following the surgery then should decrease by the 5th post-operative day.

Follow Up

An appointment will be made at the front desk for a one week check of the injured area for infection, wire tightness and cleanliness.

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:

New Port Richey Office, (727) 849-8100