Postoperative Instructions

Immediately Following Surgery

• The gauze pad placed over the surgical area should be kept in place for a half hour. After this time, the gauze pad should be removed and discarded. It should be replaced with a fresh gauze if active bleeding continues.  Mild oozing is normal for several hours after a surgery.  You may discard and not replace the gauze once it is light pink upon checking after biting on it for 30-60 minutes.
• Vigorous mouth rinsing and/or touching the wound area following surgery should be avoided. This may initiate bleeding by causing the blood clot that has formed to become dislodged.
• Take the prescribed pain medications as soon as you begin to feel discomfort. This will usually coincide with the local anesthetic becoming diminished.
• Restrict your activities the day of surgery and resume normal activity when you feel comfortable.
• Place ice packs to the sides of your face where surgery was performed. Refer to the section on swelling for a more thorough explanation.

Caution:

If you suddenly sit up or stand from a lying position, you may become dizzy. If you are lying down following surgery, make sure you sit for one minute before standing.