Post Operation Instructions

Recovering from surgery

"My stitches aren't dissolving!"

  • We can remove them if they don't come out by themselves. Many people worry about the removal of stitches(dissolvable or not) but it is an entirely painless process and you should not need any numbing for it.

    • "I'm still in pain. What should I do?"

  • Start taking painkillers immediately afterwards - don't wait until the pain sets in!
  • Pain that lasts for a week or so but is gradually getting better is normal.
  • Pain that starts to get worse after two days is considered abnormal and you may want to give us a call. This could be a sign of “dry socket”

    • "I think I may have a Dry Socket!"

  • A dry socket occurs when the blood clot for healing becomes dislodged or doesn’t form. In that case, the bone and fine nerve endings are not protected and exposed to air, food, and liquids. Dry socket delays the healing process and can be very painful.
  • If you suspect dry socket, call us immediately. Dr. Egbert will place a medicated dressing in the socket which will almost instantly relieve pain. If the area is infected, we may also prescribe a course of antibiotics. The medicated dressing should be changed every day or two at the start, and then at longer intervals. Though some dressings are designed to stay in and dissolve by themselves.
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    Care Following Oral Surgery

    Proper care of the mouth following oral surgery can reduce complications and increase comfort

    Bleeding it is normal to have a small amount of blood accumulate in the mouth after surgery. In order to keep this at a minimum we as that you do the following:

  • Bite on gauze fimly after surgery and change it every 30 minutes until the bleeding stops.
  • Do not rinse vigorously for the first day.
  • Do not drink through a straw or smoke for two days in order to avoid losing the blood clot from the surgery site.
  • Avoid spitting and vigorous rinsing out, this encourages bleeding.
  • Avoid milk products the day of surgery.

    • Pain within 30 minutes following surgery, take pain medication with clear liquids.

  • Repeat as medication label directs. To avoid nausea, do not take pain medication on an empty stomach. Prescriptions for most pain medication and antibiotics are refillable once at the pharmacy where originally purchased.

    • Sutures all sutures used in our office are dissolvable, and will normally be gone within five(5) to ten(10) days

    Swelling may occure over the first few days and decrease over time. Apply cold packs the first two days continuously, as tolerated. Cold packs can be made by placing wet counter sponges in baggies and freezing. please keep head elevated 45 degrees immediately following surgery. Use pillows under back and head while sleeping. After the first two days, hot packs should be used to dominish swelling along with hot water rinses. This is done to encourage circulation in the area

    Oral Hygiene After surgery do not rinse vigorously for 48 hours. Do not use peroxide of mouthwash. Because of a high alcohol content, the use of commercial mouthwash during the healing period is not encouraged. Two days after surgery you may begin soaking hte mouth with hot water three times a day. It is important that the heat penetrate the muscles to help open your mouth. The toothbrush should be used carefully on a daily bases especially the posterior teeth. A CLEAN MOUTH HEALS FASTER

    Irrigation You will be given an irrigating syringe to flush out debris fromt he lower extraction sites. Begin using this 4 times a day, especially after meals. Do this by placing the tip of the syringe down the socket and flushing. You will need to use this for one(1) to two(2) weeks until the incisions are healed

    Diet For a period of time, you will have difficulty eating a normal diet. Because of muscle soreness, chewing may be a problem. Avoid milk products including milk shakes, ice cream, and yogurt the day of the surgery. The second day you may add milk products to your diet. Cool foods are best for hte first day to prevent bleeding. Thereafter, warm foods are fine. (Please rinse following meals with the syringe after the first four(4) days

    Suggested Foods

  • Fruit juices, soups, carbonated beverages
  • Cooked/thinned cereals, eggs, pancakes
  • Gelatin
  • Blenderized vegetables, fruits or bananas
  • Pastas, Mashed Potatoes

    • Activity You will not be required to remain in bed. However, exertional activity is to be avoided totally for four(4) full days. Exertional activity is anything that may increase the pulse rate or blood pressure such as: Skiing, Swimming, jogging, Lifting, Gymnastics, dancing, Physical Education, Etc.

    Follow Up Most patients will heal well and feel normal within a week following surgery. No follow-up appointment is usually necessary. If pain or swelling persist or increase after three(3) or four(4) days, call our office for an appointment to be seen as soon as possible. DO NOT HESITATE TO CALL IF ANY QUESTIONS ARISE