Proper care of the mouth following most dental procedures can reduce complications and increase the speed of healing. Below are some instructions that you will find helpful:
DO's
- BITE...on a thick gauze pad for half an hour or more. If oozing persists, sleep with head elevated (2 pillows) and bite on a used tea-bag.
- USE MEDICATION as directed. Take some painkillers before freezing is off and after the surgery is finished.
- EAT soft nutritious food and minimal amounts of fluid for 12 hours post-surgery. You can resume with regular liquid ingestion and soft diet after that.
- CLEAN the area around the surgical site carefully. A clean mouth heals faster.
- APPLY ice pack to the surgical side of face for 15 minutes at a time for the first 12 hours.
- CALL your dentist regarding any concerns or questions
DON'Ts
- ABSOLUTELY no smoking for the first 24 hours.
- NO spitting
- NO sucking through a straw
- NO drinking of hot liquids
- NO RINSING with water or mouthwash for the first 24 hours. For the next few days, rinse with warm water and salt several times a day
- NO ALCOHOL...for the first 24 hours.
- AVOID all excessive activity
