Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal in the first 24 hours. Excessive bleeding (your mouth fills rapidly with blood) can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the surgical site for 30 minutes. If excessive bleeding continues, please call our office for further instructions.

Swelling and some bruising is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling apply an ice pack, (Plastic bag or towel filled with ice), on the cheek area of surgery. Keeping your head elevated will also reduce swelling. Apply the ice pack on for 20 minutes and off for 20 minutes, as much as possible, for the first 24-48 hours.

Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids and hot foods during the first 24 hours. Cool, soft foods and liquids should be eaten after surgery. Avoid chewing in the area of the surgical site until directed by your surgeon.

You should begin taking the ibuprofen (if prescribed) and the over the counter acetaminophen or Tylenol (not prescribed) before the numbing or local anesthesia wears off, and you feel okay swallowing. This typically will be within 2-4 hours after the surgery. We typically have patients take 600mg-800mg every 6-8 hours at the same time as 1-2 tabs of OTC (over the counter) extra strength acetaminophen (Tylenol). Studies have shown taking ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) concurrently with acetaminophen (Tylenol) works better than rotating them or staggering the doses. We also recommend taking the Ultram or Tramadol (if prescribed) with the ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) and Tylenol if needed. If you elected to take OTC ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) it comes in 200mg tablets. You can take three to four OTC tablets of ibuprofen if you elected to not fill your prescription.

Do not exceed 3200mg daily for ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) for an adult. Do not exceed 3000 mg daily of acetaminophen (Tylenol) for an adult.

For our pediatric patients please follow the instructions on the bottle as prescribed or the over the counter instructions if not given a prescription.

For our patients that elected to have the Exparel (long acting local anesthesia) injections you will hopefully have great pain relief for 2-4 days at the surgical sites. This does not mean no pain, as some discomfort is still normal. Please take the ibuprofen and Tylenol as needed and as explained above.

For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed. Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic to them or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it. Do not drive an automobile or work around machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside more and more every day. If pain persists, it may require attention and you should call the office.

If you are prescribed antibiotic, please take it as prescribed.

Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. You may brush your teeth the night of surgery, however, avoid the surgical site for at least one week or until directed by your surgeon. If you were prescribed the Peridex Oral Rinse, you may start the day after surgery. Peridex should be used twice daily, after breakfast and before bed. Be sure to rinse for at least 30 seconds then spit it out. Warm water salt rinses (A teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should be used at least 4-5 times a day as well, especially after meals. Brushing your teeth and the healing abutments is not problem.

Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. If you exercise, throbbing or bleeding may occur. If this occurs, you should discontinue exercising. Keep in mind that you are probably not taking in normal nourishment. This may weaken you and further limit your ability to exercise.

Partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures, may be worn as directed by the surgeon. Otherwise, minimize wearing the prosthesis after the first week of surgery. If you have questions please call your surgeon.