Oral Surgery

Post-Op Instructions

General Instructions Following Surgery:

1. Limit your physical activity the day of surgery. Keep head elevated and rest.
2. Keep the pressure gauze firmly over the operative site for 1-2 hours to minimize bleeding.
3. Do not rinse the operative site the day of surgery. Brush your remaining teeth regularly and keep your mouth as clean as possible during the period the operative site is healing.
4. The day after surgery, rinse with Peridex (1/4 ounce for 30 seconds then spit out. Do this 2 times a day in the morning and evening, for the next four days. You may substitute warm salt water for the Peridex rinse.
5. If it is more comfortable, or you are instructed to do so, drink liquids or eat soft foods, BUT DO NOT STOP TAKING NOURISHMENT. Do not miss a single meal.
6. Ice packs. Use as directed. Alternate side's 15 minutes on and then 15 minutes off the day of surgery only.
7. Return to the office for post-op check.
8. Avoid smoking.

If you have been sedated with IV medication, until the day after surgery:

1. Do not drink alcoholic beverages or beer.
2. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery.
3. Do not sign important papers.
4. Do not make important decisions.
5. Do not ride a bicycle, horse, etc.
6. Do not climb up on a ladder, stairs or other objects from which falling might be dangerous.

You May Have:

1. Pain - Do not take medication on an empty stomach.
2. Swelling - This may be from a number of causes, but is usually a natural reaction of the body.
3. Bleeding - Cleanse your mouth with a gentle rinse of water, then place cotton gauze over the area. Close your jaws tightly upon this gauze for 30 minutes by the clock. Do not become excited, but remain quiet with the gauze in place. Often there is a slight oozing of blood - bleeding is not a problem. If bleeding is excessive give us a call.
4. Stiffness - This, like the swelling, is natural reaction of your body to surgery. Opening exercises can help to overcome this problem.
5. Numbness - Quite infrequently, an individual will notice a persisting numb sensation following surgery of the oral cavity. It is usually temporary in nature.
6. A slight earache may last for a day or two.
7. Bruising or tissue discoloration
8. The other teeth may ache temporarily.

I have read and understand the instructions.

If you have any questions or concerns, please check our website www.fortcollinsdentist.com or call us.
Roger L. Northen, Jr., D.D.S., P.C.,
Office: 407-1001
Home: 490-26501

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