post-op instructions
guidelines to ensure proper healing
Please review our post-op instructions to help ensure that your procedure is successful. Our goal is for you to have a positive and smooth recovery as you heal from your procedure. If you are having any problems or have any questions, not covered in these guidelines, please free to call the office at (540) 373-3066. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 immediately.
Post-operative ORal Hygiene
Brushing and Flossing
Begin brushing and flossing your other teeth the day after your surgery. AVOID THE SURGICAL SITES until given specific instructions at your post-operative visit.
Mouthwash
Use the prescribed mouthwash twice daily, gently, beginning the morning after surgery until instructed to discontinue. Warm salt water rinses can be used as needed, beginning the morning after surgery.
activity after your operation
First 24 Hours
Plan to rest at home the remainder of the day of surgery and as needed the following day. When sleeping, elevate your head for the first two nights to decrease swelling.
After 24 Hours
You may return to a normal daily routine, but for one week following surgery, avoid strenuous activities such as heavy lifting or exercise programs which elevate your heart rate.
eating after your operation
First 24 Hours
Adequate nutrition is essential for healing. Following surgery, your diet should be restricted to cold, soft foods. Dietary supplements such as healthy smoothies or Ensure are good choices. Avoid alcohol, carbonated beverages, and drinking through a straw.
After 24 Hours
Gradually progress to soft foods such as cooked vegetables, baked fish, tuna, pasta, and beans, which are easily chewed and swallowed. DO NOT SKIP MEALS. If you take nourishment regularly, you will feel better and heal faster.
Post-Op FAQs
post-operative swelling or bleeding
Swelling
Some swelling occurs after surgery. To minimize swelling, place the ice pack on the outside of your face, over the area for ten minutes and then take it off for ten minutes. Continue to apply ice packs for the first 48 hours after surgery.
Please replace ice packs with warm compresses after the first 2 days post-operatively. This will help with resolution of swelling and/or bruising. Some brusing may be normal. This may be more pronounced if you are taking blood thinners such as aspirin. Swelling will reach its maximum three days after surgery, and should gradually decrease after that.
Bleeding
Slight bleeding or oozing is normal during the first one to two days following surgery. If bleeding starts, apply gentle pressure to the area by biting on a roll of gauze for one hour or placing a moistened tea bag over the site. Avoid blowing your nose. If excessive bleeding occurs, please call our office at 540-373-3066.
post-operative precautions
Sinus Precautions
Sneeze with your mouth open. Do not blow your nose, you may wipe it gently. Bleeding slightly from the nose is normal. Signs of infection: drainage, bad taste, discomfort persisting or getting worse after 3 days. Notify us if you have any of these signs or symptoms immediately.
Smoking Precautions
DO NOT SMOKE for three weeks after surgery. Smoking compromises healing and will negatively affect the results of surgery.
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