Having oral surgery and anesthesia are significant procedures that affect your whole body. Therefore, we have provided this step-by-step guide to help you care for yourself after surgery. We urge you to follow it carefully.

Having teeth removed is a significant surgical procedure that affects your whole body. It will take your body several days to recover. Following these procedures can help you reduce your discomfort and promote more rapid, uncomplicated healing.

We appreciate the trust you have shown in us by selecting us to perform your surgery. Because we are committed to providing you with the best care possible, we welcome your comments and questions about any aspect of your treatment.

Remember

• Eat nothing 6 hours before sugery. If you are having surgery in the afternoon you may have clear liquids (water, apple juice) up to 2 hours before surgery.
• In the morning brush your teeth BUT DO NOT SWALLOW any paste, water , mouthwash, etc.
• Take routine meds with a small sip of water.
• Arrange for a responsible adult to take you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.
• The portion of surgical charges agreed upon at your exam is due from you at the time of surgery. If you cannot make such a payment on the day of surgery, you need to call our office prior to your surgery to make alternative payment plans.

To prepare for your at-home-recovery

• Plan for adequate time away from work, school, or other daily responsibilities to give your body time to heal properly.
• Have ice or ice packs on hand.
• Have plenty of carbonated beverages, fruit juices and water on hand. NO STRAWS!
• Have soft foods stocked: yogurt, cottage cheese, ice cream, soup, oatmeal, eggs, etc. Wear comfortable clothes with short sleeves to your surgery appointment. Nothing to eat or drink 6 hours before surgery.

Day 1: the First 24 Hours

• For the first 30 minutes keep firm, continuous pressure on the gauze over the surgical site. Afterwards, remove gauze. If bleeding has not stopped, place fresh gauze in your mouth. Bite down with firm, continuous pressure for another half hour. Remove gauze. Blood may ooze slightly after gauze is removed. A pinkish tinge to your saliva is normal.
• Rest with head elevated, as in a recliner chair or with extra pillows. Expect to sleep most of the day.
• Apply ice packs to the face over the surgical area to reduce swelling. begin ice during the first hour and continue for 24 hours. Follow a schedule of 15 minutes on-15 minutes off. The ice is effective in reducing swelling only during the first 24-36 hours although swelling may continue for several more days.
• Drink clear fluids as soon as possible. DO NOT USE A STRAW. A straw creates suction which could break down the blood clot at the surgical site, prolong bleeding and delaying healing. Smoking causes a similar problem. DO NOT SMOKE.
• After you are able to drink clear liquids you may take the first dose of your pain medication as directed on the label. Continue to take medication as prescribed throughout the day.
• Drink fluids frequently. Wake younger children every hour to have them drink fluids. This will minimize nausea.
• Begin eating very soft foods today if it is comfortable.

IMPORTANT

DURING THE FIRST 24 HOURS DO NOT:

Rinse your mouth vigorously, spit, smoke, drink with a straw or brush your teeth.

Days 2 and 3: 48-72

• Eat a soft diet. For health's sake choose nutritious foods: scrambled eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, oatmeal, mashed potatoes, mashed bananas, applesauce, juices, and soups. Consider juicing vegetables and grinding meats in a blender.
• Avoid hard foods that require chewing or that have small pieces which could enter the surgical site or break the forming blood clot. such foods include, but are not limited to, granola, nuts, rice, popcorn, and small candies. A broken clot can lead to "dry socket", which causes pain, delaying healing and may require additional healing.
• About 24 hours after surgery start to rinse your mouth gently with the prescription mouth rinse or warm salt water. Use 1/2 teaspoon salt to a glass of warm water. Rinse about once an hour while awake, roughly 10 to 12 times per day. Brush very gently in areas where incisions have been made or stitches placed. Brush the rest of your mouth thoroughly in your regular manner.
• Continue to rest and drink 2-3 quarts of fluid per day. Both are vital to promoting healing and preventing infection. Reduce swelling with gentle warm rinses and take your anti-inflammatory medications as prescribed. Take medication after putting some food or milk product in your stomach. Swelling is normal during this time and peaks on days two and three.

Until Your Follow-Up Visit:

• Continue to eat a very soft diet. Avoid vigorous chewing or small, hard foods.
• Continue rinses and regular oral hygiene.
• Maintain good fluid intake.
• Do not smoke. Smoking may cause post-surgical complications to develop.

Follow-Up Visit: