DENTURE PLACEMENT
Following your surgery your dentures were placed in your mouth and should stay in place over night (unless otherwise directed) for the first week, then leave them out at night. If the dentures are removed for any reason, it is important to replace them immediately, otherwise swelling may occur preventing the denture from fitting properly.
WOUND CARE
To help limit swelling, placing an ice pack on your face 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off repeating for 24 hours. Some mild oozing is to be expected following surgery and may continue for as long as 24 hours. You may place gauze into the cheek areas to absorb any oozing. Rest and sleep with your head elevated by to pillows. Persistent bleeding may be stopped by removing the denture and placing a moisten tea bag over the surgical site and biting down with firm pressure for ½ hour to 45 minutes. If you are unable to control the bleeding, contact our office immediately.
MEDICATIONS
As soon as you arrive home, take your prescription medication as instructed with plenty of fluids or with flood to avoid stomach irritation. Take the medication as directed to make those first few days after surgery more comfortable for you. If you can use Ibuprofen a maximum of 800mg every 8 hours is generally sufficient for maintaining comfort. If you are allergic to Ibuprofen or Aspirin use Tylenol.
If you have been placed on antibiotics, FINISH all the tablets or liquid as directed.
Although most patients benefit from the prescribed medications, occasional side effects such as rash, itching, nausea, excitement, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, or other unusual reactions can occur. If any unusual symptoms develop stop the medication and contact our office.
ORAL HYGIENE
Keep your mouth as clean as possible and cleanse your denture by brushing it. This is very important to promote healing and prevent infection. Start rinsing your mouth with a diluted warm saltwater solution prepared by dissolving ½ teaspoon of salt in a large glass of water. This should be done after each meal and before bedtime until healing is complete.
ACTIVITIES
You should go home and rest the remainder of the day. If you have been sedated it is important for you to have someone caring for you for the next 6 to 8 hours. Sudden position changes can result in dizziness or lightheadedness. When using the restroom facilities do not lock the door should you need sudden assistance. You should not drive a car, operate any machinery, or undertake and responsible business matters for at least 24 hours or 8 hours after your last dose of prescribed pain medications, unless instructed otherwise. The day after surgery, you may begin to resume your normal activities as tolerated.
DIET
A soft diet is the best and it is very important to maintain adequate fluid intake (at least 2 liters per day) for the first 24 hours after surgery to avoid dehydration. It is best to start with a clear liquid first. This reduces the incidence of nausea and vomiting. Then advance to dairy products such as milkshakes and foods with more substance. Cool heated liquids/foods before consuming until your numbing has completely worn off.
Here are a few suggestions of soft foods and drinks:
- RApple Sauce
- ROatmeal
- RPudding
- RCottage Cheese
- RMashed Potatoes
- RScrambled Eggs
- RYogurt
- RMacaroni & Cheese
- RSoups
- RJell-O
- RIce Cream
- R7up
- RIced Tea
- RApple Juice
- RGinger Ale
- REnsure
- RBoost
- RSustacal
It is very important to maintain a diet high in vitamins and protein!
NOTE: If you are diabetic, maintain your normal caloric requirements and take your medication as usual and check your sugar level more often for the next 2-3 days following surgery. Contact our office or your physician if any questions arise.
SUTURES
The sutures generally used are dissolvable and will come out on their own. If non dissolvable sutures are used, they will need to be removed within 7-10 days. You will be instructed if you need your sutures removed.
NO ALCOHOL OR TOBACCO FOR 5 DAYS FOLLOWING SURGERY FOR OPTIMUM HEALING BENEFITS
