Post-operative Instructions
- You must be accompanied by a friend or relative.
- In order to avoid any complications and to be in compliance with traffic regulations, etc., any patient accepting a sedation appointment must agree not to drive a vehicle or operate machinery the same day; not to undertake responsible business matters; not to drink alcohol.
- Please take 2 or 3 Advil (Ibuprofen) every 6 hours for the first 24 hours following surgery if tolerated well.
- Post-operative pain should be controlled by the analgesic tablets prescribed. Please call if this is not the case and further recommendations will be given.
- Due to the effects of the sedative medications and/or narcotic pain relievers you must use caution in your activities. Do not operate any machinery, drive a car or drink any alcohol while under the influence of these medications.
- There may be some post-operative swelling. Ice packs, alternating, ten minutes on and ten minutes off, may be used to limit this the first day. Hot compresses can be used beginning the 4th day to eliminate swelling that has occurred. Keep head elevated while resting.
- There may be slight bleeding or discoloration of saliva for several hours after surgery. This should correct itself.
- The periodontal dressing protects the surgical wound. Generally the loss of the dressing is not of concern, unless there are problems with pain or bleeding.
- Avoid hot foods and drinks the day of the procedure. Please limit yourself to a semi-soft diet.
- Avoid vigorous rinsing today, beginning tomorrow, rinse with chlorhexidine. Please do not use a drinking straw during the post-operative period.
- Do not brush directly on the dressing, brush and floss your other teeth as usual.
- You may follow your regular daily activities, but avoid excessive exertion.
- Please call if there is a problem with:
- Excessive bleeding
- Pain not controlled by pain medication
- Any reaction to a medication
- Any nausea following the taking of the analgesic and antibiotic tablets