POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR soft tissue oral surgery procedures
This page provides a comprehensive guide on post-operative care for soft tissue oral surgery procedures. Proper care and attention following your surgery are crucial for a smooth and successful recovery. This guide provides detailed instructions on managing common post-surgery occurrences and essential care tips to help you heal effectively. Following these steps will enhance your recovery process and help you return to your daily activities as soon as possible.
THE FOLLOWING MAY OCCUR:
- Swelling and Bruising: It’s common to experience swelling and bruising around the surgical area.
- Muscle Stiffness: Stiffness of the muscles may cause difficulty in opening your mouth.
- Numbness or Tingling: You may feel numbness or tingling in the lip, chin, or tongue.
- Dry and Cracked Lips: Keep your lips moist with an ointment to prevent drying and cracking.
- Elevated Temperature: A slight temperature elevation for the first 24 hours after the procedure is normal.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS:
- No Rinsing, Spitting, or Use of Straw: Do not rinse, spit, or use a straw for 24 hours after the procedure.
- Avoid Touching: Keep fingers and tongue away from the surgical site.
- Ice Packs: Use ice packs for the first 24 hours, 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off continuously.
- Apply Heat: From the second day onwards, use a warm water washcloth or heating pad for 15 minutes, 4 to 5 times per day.
- Medication: Take all prescribed medications as directed. If advised, take Advil (ibuprofen) 400-600mg every 4-6 hours for 2 to 3 days.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids since antibiotics can dehydrate you.
- Salt Water Rinses: Start rinsing with warm salt water and any prescribed rinse the day after surgery to clean and heal the area.
- Diet: Begin with clear liquids if IV anesthesia was used, then progress to milk products and soft foods as tolerated.
- Dissolvable Stitches: If stitches were used, they are dissolvable unless informed otherwise.
- Bleeding Control: Place gauze over the surgical site and apply pressure to control bleeding. If bleeding persists, use a moist caffeinated tea bag for one hour. It is normal to experience light bleeding intermittently if tissue gets irritated.
- Biopsy Results: All biopsies are sent to a pathologist. Results typically take about 10 days, and you will be contacted by phone with the results unless a follow-up visit has been scheduled.
CONTACT US
Please review these post-operative instructions. Adhering to these guidelines will significantly aid your recovery and help prevent complications. Should you have any questions or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 949-768-4071 or at [email protected]. We are here to support you throughout your recovery journey and ensure the best possible outcome for your health.
