NRV ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY, LTD
Blacksburg # (540) 951-8777 Fairlawn # (540) 633-5700
Post Operative Instructions after a Single Extraction
If you went to sleep today for your surgery (had IV sedation) go home and rest when discharged from our office. You will be sleepy, have some memory loss and may become nauseated, dizzy and/or faint from the sedation. An adult MUST stay with you for 12-24 hours after your surgery. Today, lie on your right side with your head elevated until all the effects of the anesthetic disappear. You must not operate any mechanical equipment or drive a motor vehicle for at least 24 hours (longer if you feel any residual effect from the anesthetic or are taking the prescription pain medication). Do not use stairs by yourself. No strenuous activity for 2-3 days.
1. Bleeding: The gauze may be changed every hour for the next 2-4 hrs. Leave 4-6 pieces of gauze together, fold in half then half again, moistened the gauze pack slightly and place over the surgical area.
2. Apply ice to the face for 20 minutes, remove for ½ hour and continue this for the next 24-48 hours. After 48 hours you may use warm moist compresses and/or alternate with the ice packs; whatever makes you feel better. This will be like a sprained ankle; you may not see much facial swelling or have discomfort for 3-4 days so ELEVATE your head at night for 5-7days.
3. Your throat, chin, cheeks, lips and tongue may be numb for 2 to 8 hours.
4. You may eat or drink as soon as you leave the office IF THERE IS NOT A LOT OF BLEEDING. Simply remove the gauze briefly then replace it when you are finished. Cold or cool drinks and food such as Jell-O, ice cream, puddings, Carnation Instant Breakfast, ice tea, fruit juices, milkshakes with a spoon or a frosty are recommended until the numbness goes away. Soups, soft cooked vegetables and meats etc. may then be eaten as tolerated. If you are a diabetic, maintain your normal diet as much as possible following your physician’s instructions regarding your insulin schedule.
5. You may take IBP or Advil as directed on the bottle (if you have no allergies or contraindications with this type of medication) This anti-inflammatory medication is good for mild to moderate surgical pain as well as any soreness and stiffness in the cheeks from having your mouth open for the surgery. DO NOT take extra TYLENOL if you are using a narcotic containing Tylenol already. Eating or drinking at least 1 cup of food and/or water before taking any medication will lessen stomach upset and/or nausea that may otherwise occur.
Narcotics will not be given after office hours.
6. In 24 hours, start rinsing your mouth very gently (basically just shaking your head) with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon to a 1/2-cup water) after each meal and before bed for at least 1 week.
7. For the next 5-7 days, the following may help prevent dry sockets; No spitting, smoking or drinking with a straw. No commercial mouthwashes, alcoholic or any carbonated beverages or soft drinks. No vigorous rinsing or probing at the surgical sites with your tongue, toothpicks, waterpik, fingers etc.
8. Keep your mouth clean. Brush your teeth being careful at the surgical site(s). By the 5th- 7th day you should be brushing normally over the surgical areas.
9. Please be assured that our interest in your case does not end with the completion of surgery. If you have an emergency after hours, please go to the nearest emergency room or call our office for further automated instructions.