WOUND CARE
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 two pillows and place an old towel over your pillows to help protect them. If the area was NOT covered by a Periodontal Dressing and you experience persistent bleeding, you may place a moistened teabag over the surgical site and bite down with firm pressure for ½ hour to 45 minutes. If you are unable to control the bleeding contact Dr. Brumbach.
PERIDONTAL DRESSING – This is a protective dressing placed over the area and after a period it will become hard. It is important to keep it clean by brushing it with your soft toothbrush or by wiping it with a we cloth or gauze. It should remain on the area until your next appointment (7 days). If the dressing comes off before then please contact the office. It may need to be replaced.
PERIDEX RINSE – Please continue with your Peridex rinse ½ oz. 2 times a day (after breakfast and before bed)
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.
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.
ACTIVITIES
You may resume a normal day but avoid any strenuous activities such as heavy lifting or working out. Doing such could start the socket bleeding
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
