Post-operative Instructions

Bleeding:
You will generally experience little or no bleeding, but minimal bleeding may persist for 24 hours. If you experience excessive bleeding later on, dip gauze in the mouthwash that you received after the surgery and apply pressure for at least 10 minutes or until it stops.

Infection and Pain control:
You could experience some discomfort the first week after the surgery, but the mouth tends to heal very quickly. Some pain medication will be prescribed to you to keep you comfortable the first week, and some antibiotics to minimize the risk of infection. Use them as instructed.

Diet:
Do not eat for the first 4 hours following the surgery. After that, eat soft foods such as soup, eggs, yogurt, pasta, and well-cooked vegetables. And avoid very hot beverages and do not chew hard, crunchy food for at least a week.

Oral hygiene:
Do not brush or rinse the day of the surgery. The day after, resume brushing and flossing, but stay away from the site of surgery until you return for your follow up appointment. Rinse your mouth gently, using the mouthwash given to you after the surgery. Do not swish vigorously, and avoid using a straw or sucking on candy. Do not pull back on your lips or cheeks to inspect the area.

Smoking:
Avoid smoking. Smoking will delay the healing.

Activity, exercise:
Avoid strenuous activities and exercising the day of the surgery. You will be able to return to work the day after the surgery.
Call the clinic if you experience the following conditions:
Heavy or increasing bleeding several hours after the surgery.
Increasing swelling, or pain that persists beyond 3 days after the surgery.
Odour or bad taste in the mouth.
Fever
Reaction to medications.

You can talk to the dentist, or may be given a follow up appointment if there are concerns.