I. General Care

After your visit, you may want to take some precautions for certain dental work:

1. If you have a temporary crown, avoid sticky foods that can pull off the temporary tooth.
2. If you have had a filling, avoid eating until feeling has returned to your lips and cheeks.
3. If you have new braces, avoid the types of foods discussed by your doctor.

As always, prevention is the best approach to avoiding further dental problems.

II. Care of Mouth After Oral Surgery

1. Do not rinse or spit for 24 hours after surgery.
2. Keep fingers and tongue away from socket or surgical area.
3. Use ice packs on surgical area (side of face) for first 48 hours, apply ice 20 minutes on - 10 minutes off. Bags of frozen peas work well.
4. For mild discomfort take Tylenol or Ibuprofen every three to four hours.
5. For severe pain use the prescription given to you.
6. Drink plenty of fluids. (Do not use a straw)
7. If the muscles of the jaw become stiff, chewing gum at intervals will help relax the muscles.
8. After the first post-operative day, use a warm salt-water rinse following meals for the first week to flush out particles of food and debris which may lodge in the surgical area. (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Mouthwash can be added for better taste.)
9. Diet may consist of soft foods which can be easily chewed and swallowed. No seeds, nuts, rice, popcorn, etc.
10. A certain amount of bleeding is to be expected following surgery. Bleeding is controlled by applying pressure to the surgical area using small rolled gauze for 60 minutes. After that time remove the gauze and then you may eat or drink. If bleeding persists, a moist teabag should be placed in the area of bleeding and bite firmly for one hour straight. This will aid in clotting blood. Repeat if necessary. If bleeding still persists call our office.
11. We suggest that you do not smoke for at least 5 days after surgery. Nicotine may break down the blood clot and cause a "Dry-Socket".

Feel free to contact us if any doubt arises as to your progress and recovery.