Post-operative Instructions
Some oozing is normal after surgery. Do not be alarmed if there is a red/pink colour to your saliva for several days after surgery. If some bleeding is noted, place gauze DIRECTLY (on the gum not teeth) onto the surgical site and bite firmly for 30 minutes. If the bleeding persists, bite on a moist tea bag for an additional 30 minutes (Tea contains tannic acid which slows bleeding). If significant bleeding persists from the surgical site, INFORM OUR OFFICE IMMEDIATELY.
'Dry socket' is a potential post-operative complication. This will produce significant pain which usually radiates toward the ears. Typically pain medication does not reduce symptoms. This complication is largely avoided by avoiding drinking through a straw, smoking, spitting, excessive rinsing, and pressure changes in the mouth. These activities should be avoided for at least two to three days after the procedure. Dry socket occurs as a result of clot breakdown. If this does occur, please contact our office and arrange an appointment to be seen. This condition is easily treated by the application of special medicated paste and pain subsides within 30 minutes.
Use ice for the first 8 hours on the outside of the cheeks. The regimen you should follow is 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. This will help to reduce discomfort and decrease swelling. After the first 8 hours ice will do little to reduce swelling but may be used if it feels good and provides pain control.
It is best to sleep with your head above (elevated) the level of your heart. This will help to prevent swelling from occurring. You may also want to place a towel on top of your pillow to catch any oozing that may occur from the surgical site. Rest is important and you want to make sure that you are taking enough pain medication to allow you to have adequate rest.
Post operative pain is normal and expected after surgery. Take the medications prescribed by Dr. Lotay to help control symptoms. If pain continues, try up to 600mg Ibuprofen (if your medical history permits) in between doses of your prescribed medication. DO NOT TAKE more than 3.2 g in 24 hours.
Some bruising may occur several days after the surgery. It is normal for the bruising to turn yellow after a few days and for it to travel down towards the neck. Do not be alarmed. Swelling is common after the procedure. You may have difficulty opening your mouth, stiffness in your jaw joints is common after surgery as well. It will take approximately 4-7 days for these symptoms to improve.
If you have any difficulty swallowing or breathing, NOTIFY OUR OFFICE IMMEDIATELY, or proceed to the emergency room of your nearest hospital.
Do not blow your nose, sneeze or create pressure changes in your mouth for 2 weeks if any upper back teeth were removed, a sinus communication was indicated by your surgeon, or if ANY sinus surgery was carried out. You will also be restricted from air travel or scuba diving activities for 2 weeks following any sinus surgery.
Some people react to surgical procedures by developing a fever. Tylenol may be given (if your medical history permits and no more than 4.0g per day for an adult) to help control symptoms. If the fever is uncontrollable, please notify our office.
No heavy lifting, excessive stair climbing or physical exertion should be carried out for at least 2 days after the procedure. For sports and gym related activities, steady heart rate activities are acceptable unless the surgical site begins to pulsate or throb. If this occurs, reduce the intensity of the activity. For elite athletes and competitive sports, a minimum of 5 days is advised before resuming activities. Swimming should be avoided for one week.
Brushing of your teeth should continue AWAY from the surgical site. A surgical toothbrush will be provided for you after your procedure. A medicated rinse may have been prescribed by your surgeon, use as directed. Brushing may resume around the surgical site once discomfort ceases.
Avoid crispy, crunchy or sharp foods(eg. Chips, tacos, nuts, seeds), spicy foods and carbonated drinks for at least 2 weeks after surgery. A soft diet is recommended for the first 48 hours. (eg. luke warm puree, soups, ice cream, mashed potatoes, soft pasta, soft rice). You may also have additional nutrition in the form of Boost, Ensure, Carnation instant breakfast and protein shakes if required.
Infections sometimes occur after surgery. If yellow oozing is noted, or increased swelling after the 5th day of surgery exists, please inform our office and schedule an appointment.
Sharp bony fragments called 'spiculae' sometimes dislodge or become exposed several days after a tooth extraction. Do not be alarmed that there is another tooth growing in. These fragments often disappear with time, however, is problematic, please contact our office for an appointment.
Do not consume alcohol, marijuana or any other prescriptions in combination to your prescribed medications unless approved by Dr. Lotay. Failing to follow this advice may cause sever illness.
If Dr. Lotay used dissolvable sutures, they will fall out on their own within a week. If other sutures were used, a follow-up appointment will be required to remove them.
Use the curved syringe provided with warm salt water (1/2 tsp salt and 1 cup of water) AFTER 24 hours and use after each meal. Be sure that the tip of the syringe is right in the extraction site and flush out the area gently. Use the tongue depressor to retract your cheek when doing the rinsing. Continue using the rinse until your gums have fully healed.
Some swelling is normal and expected around the surgical site. The gums will not return to their final appearance for a few months after surgery. Use of a cotton swab (soaked in the prescribed oral rinse) is advised around the surgical site and sutures. On occasion, the temporary healing collar on the implant may loosen over time. If this occurs, please contact our office and we will re-tighten it for you. If you have a temporary appliance in the area, please ensure that the appliance does not push on the gums around the surgical site. If this is occurring, please contact our office for an appointment.
It is best to ensure the biopsy site is free of any trauma. If possible, please eat on the side opposite the surgery. Typically dissolving sutures are placed and they will fall out typically within 1-2 weeks. You will typically be set up for a follow-up visit in one week and the results will be discussed with you once received (usually 3 weeks). Gentle salt water rinses are advised the day after surgery and you may also use the medicated oral rinse prescribed by Dr. Lotay.
