Post-Operative Instructions

DO NOT RINSE MOUTH TODAY!

Tomorrow, rinse mouth gently every 3 to 4 hours (especially after meals) using one-quarter teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water. Continue for several days. You could also use Listerine and or hydrogen peroxide. 

DO NOT BLOW YOUR NOSE

You may feel small particles in your mouth, these are bone graft particles and it's not uncommon for this to occur. Bleeding could occur from the nose. 

BLEEDING 

Following the procedure, some bleeding is to be expected. If persistent bleeding occurs, a 

moistened tea bag can be used to control bleeding.  Antibiotics will be prescribed for the first week after your surgery to prevent infection. Have the prescription filled immediately and begin taking it as instructed. 

SWELLING 

Ice bag or chopped ice wrapped in a towel can be applied to the face in the operated area to prevent swelling. Use ice for 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off for approximately 4 to 5 hours. 

PAIN 

For mild to average pain, use any non-aspirin pain reliever. A prescription for pain management will be given to you before you leave today. If pain is more moderate to severe, please have the prescription filled and take as directed. 

FOOD 

A soft food diet is advised for the first 24 hours.  The proper care following oral surgical procedures will help in recovery and prevent complications. If any unusual symptoms occur, call the office immediately. 

Swelling, may or may not occur after the surgery. Swelling is more likely to occur with placement of the implant in the upper anterior area. Use an ice pack after surgery off and on for every 30 minutes for at least 4-5 hours after surgery. 

Dentures or partials will be adjusted to fit over the implants. Sleep with it in the same night of surgery and then remove in morning to start rinses. Leave denture or partial out every night after that. 

Discomfort is usually minimal and can be controlled with Advil or Tylenol. You will be given prescription for pain medication. If your pain cannot be controlled with Advil, etc., have the prescription filled and take as instructed. 

Antibiotics, will be prescribed for the first week after your surgery to prevent infection. Have the prescription filled immediately and begin taking it as instructed. 

Oral Hygiene can be continued normally in all areas except the implant site(s). Avoid disturbing the tissue in that area until the sutures are removed (2 weeks) and Dr. Salha has instructed you to resume normal hygiene in the area. 

Eating a normal healthy diet promotes healing. Avoid crunchy foods (chips, seeded fruits) that might irritate the area or get lodged around the implant site. 

Rinse gently with warm salted water, alternating with Listerine to disinfect the area. 

We will see you in two weeks to remove the sutures and check the area. 

Do not hold pressure on the graft site; this area will not continue to bleed. Do not touch the graft site with your tongue. If the graft area is touched, it could dislodge the graft and the procedure would have to be repeated. Do not pull the lip out or brush the graft site until your next post op visit this will result in pulling the sutures loose. 

Do not use a straw until your next post op visit

Do not spit out 

Do not rinse today! 

You can start warm water salt rinses tomorrow morning. Brush and floss your teeth tonight like you normally do, with the exception of the graft area until we see you next time. A small amount of bleeding or oozing will continue from the roof of the mouth. Until the area is completely clotted, it will continue to bleed or ooze throughout the day. 

If bleeding persists to the following day, call us and we will direct you to use the tea bag in your post op bag. Wet the teabag with cold water and place it on the roof of your mouth for 1 to 2 hours. Fill your mouth with cold water and swish gently before removing tea bag. 

Antibiotics, will be prescribed for the first week after your surgery to prevent infection. Have the prescription filled immediately and begin taking it as instructed. 

Discomfort —Some discomfort is to be expected. The level will vary depending on the extent of the surgery and the individual. Use ADVIL or TYLENOL regularly to control most discomfort. You will be given a prescription for pain medication before you leave today. If the pain is more moderate to severe, please have the prescription filled and take as directed. 

Avoid spicy and crunchy foods (chips) that may irritate the donor site. Cold foods and drinks are recommended. 

Your post-operative visits are very important. We will see you in two weeks to remove the sutures and check the area. 

Please don't hesitate to call us if you need to. 

Please read the instructions carefully. If you have questions or if you are not sure what you are experiencing is normal, please do not hesitate to call the office. 

Oral hygiene - Cleaning of the area should be avoided so as not to disturb the healing process for one to two weeks of surgery. The remainder of your mouth should be cleaned using your usual oral hygiene techniques. 

Bleeding - A slight amount of bleeding is not unusual. Avoid rinsing, spitting or sucking actions the day of surgery as this will cause additional bleeding by disturbing the blood clot that has formed. In case of excessive or continuous bleeding, moisten a teabag and apply it with pressure to the site for 45 minutes. Repeat if necessary. In addition, apply ice to the outside of your face and keep your head elevated. If, after the second application of ice and teabag, the bleeding continues, please call our office. 

Ice packs can be applied to the face over the surgical area to reduce swelling and bleeding. Apply the ice pack to the area off and on for at least the first 4-6 hours following surgery. 

Antibiotics will be prescribed for the first week after your surgery to prevent infection. Have the prescription filled immediately and begin taking it as instructed. 

Discomfort - Some discomfort is to be expected. The level will vary depending on the extent of the surgery. Use ADVIL or TYLENOL regularly to control most discomfort. You will be given a prescription for pain medication before you leave today. If the pain is more moderate to severe, please have the prescription filled and take as directed. 

Food- Avoid crunchy hard to chew foods. Stay on a soft food diet for the next 2 weeks. Mashed potatoes should be your reference point. 

Your post-operative visits are very important. We will see you in two weeks to check the area and remove the sutures. 

Please don't hesitate to call if you need to! 

DO NOT RINSE MOUTH TODAY!

Tomorrow, rinse mouth gently every 3 to 4 hours (especially after meals) using one-quarter teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water. Continue for several days. You could also use diluted Listerine and/or hydrogen peroxide. Brush and floss as normal however avoid the extracted area.

BLEEDING

Following extractions, some bleeding is to be expected. If persistent bleeding occurs, place gauze pads on bleeding area and bite down firmly for 1 hour. A moistened tea bag can also be used to control bleeding. Do not smoke, rinse your mouth vigorously, or drink through a straw for 24 hours. These activities will disturb the healing blood clot.

SWELLING

Ice bag or chopped ice wrapped in a towel can be applied to the face on the operated area. Use ice for 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off up to 24 hours.

Antibiotics will be prescribed for the first week after your surgery to prevent infection. Have the prescription

filled immediately and begin taking it as instructed.

PAIN

For mild to average pain, use any non-aspirin pain reliever. A prescription will be given to you before you leave today. If pain is more moderate to severe, please have the prescription filled and take as directed.

FOOD

Drink plenty of fluids and maintain as normal a diet as possible which may be limited to soft foods for the first 24 hours. Avoid hot liquids until post-operative appointment.

ACTIVITY

Reduce strenuous activity, ie- heavy lifting, exercising, for 24 hours.

The proper care following oral surgical procedures will help in recovery and prevent complications. If any unusual symptoms occur, call the office immediately.