Oral Surgery

Now that your oral surgery is over, there are a few post-operative instructions and precautions we'd like to share with you during your recuperation.

1. Your mouth will feel numb for several hours. This sensation will go away as the anesthetic wears off.


2. Avoid rinsing or spitting for 24 hours.


3. On the morning following surgery, rinse mouth with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon to a glass of warm water). Repeat this several times daily.


4. You may have been given some gauze to bite down on. Keep the gauze in place for the next 30 minutes to one hour. Replace it as necessary.


5. You may have been given a prescription for pain-killing medication or antibiotics, or both. Have these prescriptions filled by your pharmacist.


6. You may have been given a brief post-operative appointment. The purpose of this is to check the progress of your healing; sometimes this involves removing stitches or packing material. Make sure you keep this appointment.


7. Keep fingers and tongue away from socket.


8. BLEEDING - It is normal for saliva to be slightly streaked with blood for 1-2 days. If abnormal bleeding occurs, place moist gauze over extraction site and bite down for 30-45 minutes.


9. DIET - A liquid or soft diet is advisable during the first 24 hours. Drink lots of fluids.


10. In the event that you experience any unusual swelling, pain or bleeding, contact this office.

As always, we encourage you to ask questions and discuss any concerns you may have about your oral health. Your smile is our first priority.