Recovery

After your procedure, you will recover in our post-op area, where you will be monitored to ensure your safety.  We will review post-op instructions and what to expect with you and your escort prior to you going home.  You will be provided with printed instructions and the necessary supplies to aid in your recovery.

Generalized post-op instructions are below.  Please refer to your printed post-op instructions for specifics and call our office if you have any questions.

Discomfort

• We always recommend starting with over-the-counter pain medications, Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen (Advil).  Please refer to your post-op sheet for specifics on timing and dosage.
• If you were prescribed an opioid pain medication, take for pain greater than 7 out of 10. Do not drink alcohol, drive, or make important decisions when taking this medication.

Bleeding

• A gauze pack will be placed in the surgical site(s).
• Apply firm biting pressure for 60 minutes, then remove.  Replace with gauze or the provided tea bag only if you are still bleeding.

Swelling

• Swelling peaks ~3 days after surgery.  Apply ice packs to the face for the first 48 hours, then switch to heat packs.

Diet

• Eat soft foods, then advance your diet to normal as you feel comfortable.
• If a dental implant was placed, do not chew on it!

Oral Hygiene

• Brush your teeth as normal, starting the evening of the procedure.  If you use an electric toothbrush, do not use it on the dental implant cap.
• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water rinses after meals and at bedtime starting the day of the procedure.
• If you were prescribed Peridex mouthrinse, use twice daily for one week.
• If you were provided an irrigation syringe, begin using it four days after surgery.
• Sutures will dissolve in approximately 5 to 7 days.

Smoking

• Do not smoke or vape for at least 24 hours after surgery.  It is best to avoid smoking for as long as possible to ensure a rapid and uneventful recovery.

Antibiotics

• If you were prescribed an antibiotic, please take as directed on the bottle.
• Antibiotics can cause bowel irregularity. Please call our office if this occurs.

Physical Activity

• Rest for the remainder of the day of surgery.
• You are welcome to resume your normal activity as you feel up for it.

Telephone Support 24/7

• Please call our office at any time with questions.
• If you reach us after hours, follow the prompts (option 1) for the on-call surgeon.  If the surgeon does not call back within 20 minutes, please call again.

Our concern for you does not end when you leave today. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to call the office.