IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING YOUR SURGERY AND UNTIL AFTER THE NEXT MORNING

Unless otherwise advised, go home and rest. Lie down with your head slightly elevated or sit in a reclining position. Try to keep activity and talking to a minimum.

PAIN

When the anesthetic wears off within 1-4 hours, you may experience mild-moderate discomfort. Mild discomfort can be managed with Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or Acetaminophen (Tylenol) every four hours. If a narcotic pain reliever (with Codeine) has been prescribed, please eat first and take as directed only when necessary. It is quite normal if you experience more discomfort 3-5 days after surgery. Don’t worry! Discomfort typically diminishes thereafter.

If an antibiotic has been prescribed, be sure to take the medication as directed and to complete the course even if you have no pain.

BLEEDING

For the next few days you may notice some oozing and slight bleeding. This is quite normal. Please do not rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours. Apply a moistened gauze pad or a moistened tea bag (not herbal) with a firm, yet gentle pressure against the bleeding site for 15-30 minutes. Repeat if necessary. For an extraction site, slight bleeding may occur for up to 2 days.
If excess bleeding continues, please call our office.

SWELLING AND BRUISING PREVENTION

Follow these three steps to minimize swelling or bruising:

• Apply ice to the area (5-10 minutes on and then 5-10 minutes off)
• Rest immediately after surgery, keeping head elevated
• Take anti-inflammatory medications as prescribed
• No heavy exercise for 36 hours
• Slight swelling is normal and it usually peaks approximately 2-5 days after the surgery.

BRUSHING AND FLOSSING

Please avoid brushing and flossing the surgical area for the first 10 days until further instructed at your follow-up visit. You can brush all other teeth as regular. Begin using the prescribed mouthwash on the surgical area twice daily starting the morning after the surgery.

ICE THERAPY

Use ice therapy for at least the first 3-5 hours following the surgery. Apply ice in a bag to the cheek overlying the surgical site. Apply ice for 10 minutes and then 10 minutes break. After extractions, do this for 6+ hours. If you have swelling after 48 hours, switch to warm compresses.

MOIST HEAT

Do not use moist heat during the first 48 hours following surgery. After that time, if some swelling or bruising is present, consider applying moist heat on your face over the surgical area (warm moist towel, compress, etc.). It will increase circulation and decrease swelling/bruising. Be careful not to burn your skin.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

It is suggested to refrain from alcoholic beverages 3-5 days following surgery. Alcohol can delay wound healing and cause increased bleeding. Do not drink alcohol while under the influence of narcotic pain relievers.

NOURISHMENT

Avoid hot food and drink for the next 24 hours. Avoid hot or spicy, sharp or hard food (apples, potato chips, carrots, French bread, small seeds, etc.). Try to stay on a soft food diet.

If chewing is uncomfortable, pre-cut your food or use a food processor. Put vegetables in low-sodium broth with some lean meat or pasta.
Minimize the use of salt, which can increase swelling and pain in your mouth.

SMOKING

Smoking will significantly impair proper healing. Please do not smoke for the first 7-10 days to ensure proper healing.

SIDE EFFECTS OF SURGERY

Discomfort, loose teeth and sensitivity to cold are sometimes associated with the post-surgical healing period. These will decrease over time.

If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, please call our office immediately.

BLEEDING

For the next few days you may notice some oozing and slight bleeding. This is quite normal. Please do not rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours. Apply moisten gauze pad or a moisten tea bag (not herbal) with a firm yet gentle pressure against the bleeding site for 15-30 minutes. Repeat if necessary.

PAIN

Mild discomfort can be managed with Ibuprofen (Advil) or Acetaminophen (Tylenol) every four hours. If a narcotic pain reliever has been prescribed, please eat first, and take as directed only when necessary. Please do not take aspirin. If an antibiotic has been prescribed, be sure to take the medication as directed.

ICE THERAPY

Use ice therapy for at least the first 3-5 hours following the surgery. Apply ice in a bag to the cheek overlying the surgical site. Apply ice for 15 minutes and then 15 minutes break. If you have swelling after 48 hours, switch to warm compresses.

BRUSHING AND FLOSSING

Please avoid brushing and flossing the surgical area for the first 10 days until further instructed at your follow-up visit. Begin using the prescribed mouthwash on the surgical area twice daily starting the morning after the surgery or you can use the Antioxidant Gel as prescribed.

You can brush and floss all other teeth as regular.

NUTRITION

Avoid hot food and drink for the next 24 hours. Avoid foods that are hot, spicy, sharp or hard (apples, potato chips, carrots, French bread, etc.) Eat a nutritionally balanced meal. A light diet is recommended for the first day.

SMOKING

Smoking will significantly impair proper healing. Please do not smoke for the first 7-10 days to ensure proper healing.

SIDE EFFECTS OF SURGERY

Discomfort, loose teeth and sensitivity to cold are sometimes associated with the post-surgical healing period. This will decrease over time.

IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING YOUR SURGERY AND UNTIL AFTER THE NEXT MORNING

Unless otherwise advised, go home and rest. Lie down with your head slightly elevated or sit in a reclining position. Try to keep activity and talking to a minimum.

Do not look at surgery, do not pull lip to visualize.

PAIN

When the anesthetic wears off within 1-4 hours, you may experience mild-moderate discomfort. Mild discomfort can be managed with Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or Acetaminophen (Tylenol) every four hours. If a narcotic pain reliever (with Codeine) has been prescribed, Please eat first and take as directed only when necessary. Do not use Aspirin.
If antibiotic has been prescribed, be sure to take medication as directed and to complete the course even if you have no pain.

BLEEDING

Because you graft was placed in a pouch, there will be minimal visible bleeding that will show in your mouth. You might notice pink saliva. That is normal. If excessive bleeding occurs, please call our office.

SWELLING AND BRUISING PREVENTION

Follow these three steps to minimize swelling or bruising:
Apply ice to the area 15 minutes on the face of the surgical area and then 15 minutes break
Rest immediately after surgery, keeping head elevated
Take anti-inflammatory medications as prescribed
No heavy exercise for 36 hours
Slight swelling is normal and it usually peaks approximately 2-5 days after the surgery.

ICE THERAPY

Use ice therapy for at least the first 3-5 hours following the surgery. Apply ice in a bag to the cheek overlying the surgical site. Apply ice for 15 minutes and then 15 minutes break. After extractions, do this for 6+ hours. If you have swelling after 48 hours, switch to warm compresses.

BRUSHING AND FLOSSING

Please avoid brushing and flossing the surgical area for the first 10 days until further instructed at your follow-up visit. You may notice a white film over the surgical site. This is completely normal. You can brush all other teeth as regular starting the following day.

ANTI-OXIDANT GEL

At your surgical visit you will purchase AO Pro Vantage Gel. It is a dental antioxidant that is very soothing and promotes healing. Apply two pumps to the surgical site every three hours during waking hours the first week after surgery, then three times per day until your first post-operative appointment. Avoid eating and drinking for 30 minutes after application of the gel.

ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSHES

DO NOT use an electric toothbrush at the surgical site for 8 weeks following surgery.

WATER PIK

DO NOT use a Water Pik for at least 8 weeks following surgery

NOURISHMENT

In the first 24 hours, adequate nutrition is essential for normal healing. Following surgery your diet should be restricted to cold liquids- yogurt, smoothies, milkshakes, dietary supplements such as Instant Breakfast or Ensure. Avoid hot food and drink for the next 24 hours. Avoid hot or spicy, sharp or hard food (apples, potato chips, carrots, French bread, small seeds, etc.)
After 24 hours, you may have soft food such as cooked vegetables, fish, pasta, meatloaf, which are easily cooked. Pre-cut your food or use food processor. Minimize the use of salt, which can increase swelling and pain in your mouth.
AVOID, Peroxide, Alcohol, Carbonated beverages, and drinking through a straw.

SMOKING

DO NOT SMOKE FOR THREE WEEKS AFTER THE SURGERY.
Smoking will significantly impair proper healing and dramatically affect the results of the surgery.

SUTURES

We do not use the type of sutures that dissolve by themselves for grafting procedures. We use a suture that is non-reabsorbable, causes no inflammation and repels bacteria. Your sutures will be removed at the two-month post-operative visit, which is simple and requires no anesthesia.

BLEEDING

After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. That’s why we ask you to bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times. After the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot as it aids healing. Do not rinse vigorously.

PAIN & ICE THERAPY

After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas applied to the cheek overlying the surgical site 15 minutes and then 15 minutes break will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.
Use the pain medication as directed. Call the office if the medication doesn’t seem to be working. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone.

BRUSHING AND FLOSSING

Do not brush teeth next to the extraction site for the first 72 hours. You can brush all other teeth as regular.

This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean. After a few days you will feel fine and can resume your normal activities. It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours.

NOURISHMENT

• Do not use a straw
• Drink lots of fluid and eat nutritious food on the day of the surgery.
• Minimize the use of salt, which can increase swelling and pain in your mouth.

SMOKING

Smoking will significantly impair proper healing. Please do not smoke for the first 5-7 days to ensure proper healing.

If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, please call our office immediately.

IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING YOUR SURGERY AND UNTIL AFTER THE NEXT MORNING

Unless otherwise advised, go home and rest. Lie down with your head slightly elevated or sit in a reclining position. Try to keep activity and talking to a minimum.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS AFTER SINUS LIFT

• Take over-the-counter decongestant such as Sudafed every 6 hours for the next 5-10 days.
• DO NOT SMOKE.
• Do not use a straw, or spit, or blow your nose for the next two weeks.
• If you must sneeze, open your mouth to sneeze to avoid unnecessary negative pressure in your sinus, creating the possibility of bleeding and disturbing the sinus graft.
• Take antibiotics as directed until finished.

PAIN

When the anesthetic wears off within 1-4 hours, you may experience mild-moderate discomfort. Mild discomfort can be managed with Ibuprofen 600 mg every six hours for the first three days after surgery. Ibuprofen should be taken with food or milk products.

If a narcotic pain reliever (with Codeine) has been prescribed, Please eat first and take as directed only when necessary. It is quite normal if you experience more discomfort 4-8 days after surgery. Don’t worry! Discomfort typically diminishes thereafter.

Do not consume alcohol or drive when taking prescribed pain medication.
If antibiotic has been prescribed, be sure to take the medication as directed and to complete the course even if you have no pain.

BLEEDING

For the next few days you may notice some oozing and slight bleeding or taste of blood. This is quite normal. Please do not rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours. Apply moisten gauze pad or a moisten tea bag (not herbal) with a firm yet gentle pressure against the bleeding site for 15-30 minutes. Repeat if necessary.

Bleeding may occur from the nose. This is not uncommon and should pass quickly.

If excess bleeding continues, please call our office.

SWELLING AND BRUISING PREVENTION

Follow these steps to minimize swelling or bruising:

• Apply ice head wrap to the area 20 min on/20 min off, for the first 24 hours after surgery.
• Rest immediately after surgery, keeping head elevated.
• Take anti-inflammatory medications as prescribed.
• No heavy exercise for 36 hours.

Slight swelling is normal and it usually peaks approximately 2-5 days after the surgery.

BRUSHING AND FLOSSING

• Do not rinse or spit for 24 hours after surgery.
• The day following surgery brush your teeth and rinse with warm salt water (1/2 tsp of salt in an 8oz. glass of warm water).
• Do not use commercial mouth rinses until cleared by your doctor.

DIET

• Avoid hot food and drink for the next 24 hours. Avoid hot or spicy, sharp or hard food (apples, potato chips, carrots, French bread, small seeds, etc.)
• If chewing is uncomfortable, pre-cut your food or use food processor. Put vegetables in low-sodium broth with some lean meat or pasta.
• Minimize the use of salt, which can increase swelling and pain in your mouth.
• Avoid alcohol. It can delay wound healing.

SMOKING

Smoking will significantly impair proper healing. Please do not smoke for the first 10-14 days to ensure proper healing.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the office.

Echinacea

Echinacea should be used with caution in patients with asthma or allergic problems and should be discontinued as far as possible in advance of surgery.

Ephedra

This herb causes a potential increase in blood pressure and heart rate.  This herb has also been associated with sudden death under anesthesia.  This should be discontinued at least 7 days before surgery.

Garlic supplements

Garlic supplements have a potential for reducing clotting function and platelet function and should be stopped 7 days prior to surgery.

Ginkgo

Ginkgo should be discontinued 7 days prior to surgery because it can inhibit platelet clotting factors.

Ginseng

Ginseng has also been shown to have effects on clotting pathways and should be discontinued approximately 7 days preoperatively.

Kava

Kava should be discontinued 7 days preoperatively because it can increase the sedative effects of anesthetics.

St. John’s Wort

St. John’s Wort can significantly increase the breakdown of other routinely administered drugs during surgery, some of which are vital to the care of patients after surgery.  This should be discontinued at least 5 days before surgery.

Valerian

Valerian can increase the sedative effects of anesthetics.  This should not be discontinued abruptly because there is risk of physical dependency to Valerian and withdrawal symptoms may develop.  This should be tapered over several weeks before surgery.