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Care After Oral Surgery

Do Not Rinse Mouth Today

Wait 24 hours to rinse.  You may begin to brush teeth gently but avoid the surgical area

Bleeding

Minor oozing is to be expected.  If there is a lot of oozing or actual bleeding, roll a small gauze pad into a hard ball and bite down (or press firmly) directly over the site for one hour.  If bleeding persists beyond a couple of hours, check for a bad clot.  (It resembles a pile of cranberry sauce.)  If present on the surface, carefully wipe it away with clean gauze and firmly bite on a new hard rolled gauze.

Pain

Do not take pain medication on an empty stomach and avoid taking aspirin or ASA

Swelling

Ice will help to minimize swelling in the first 24 hours.

Diet

No hot or carbonated liquids following surgery, for one day.  A soft diet is advised for the first day.  Occasionally, a liquid diet is necessary.  Do not drink through a straw.

Healing

Do not disturb the wound by touching it with fingers, toothpicks or tongue.  Irritation, bleeding or infection may result.

Activities

Rest today.  No vigorous exercise since this may promote bleeding.

Emergency

If you feel you have an emergency situation, please call our office immediately for further instructions.