To be successful, wound care is essential for 6 weeks.
1.) NO BRUSHING OVER SURGICAL SITE(S). Do not use cotton swabs, cloth or any soft or hard object to clean the area.
2.) NO FLOSSING
3.) NO TOUCHING with your finger or any other device or object.
4.) Do not lick the surgical area.
5.) Do not sleep on the side where surgery was done. If you have both sides done, sleep on your back.
6.) No facial massages for 3 weeks. Do not massage that area of the face for any reason.
7.) No chiropractor visits for 6 weeks.
8.) You cannot look without pulling your cheek, therefore NO LOOKING. Do not worry about the appearance of your gums for 6 weeks.
9.) After 24 hours, if the bleeding has stopped, a warm salt water mouth rinse (1/2 teaspoon salt in one glass of warm water) will aid in healing. Also use Listerine. RINSE ONLY WITH LIPS APART, SLOSHING ONLY. NO chipmunk cheeks when you rinse.
10.) Do not play wind instruments for 3 weeks.
11.) Do not suck on foods or straws.
12.) Do not blow up balloons.
13.) No spitting.
14.) No mints or chewing gum over surgical area.
15.) DO NOT EAT crunchy or sticky food (like bread) that can get stuck on or in between your teeth.
16.) No scalding hot drinks (tea, coffee, water, or hot soups) for 1 week.
17.) No alcohol for at least 1 week.
18.) No smoking, no electric cigarettes, chewing tobacco, cigar, pipe or smoking marijuana for at least 6 months. Please consult the doctor if you need to use marijuana or inhalants.
20.) NO triclosan, hydrogen peroxide, bleach or any mouth rinse not approved by the doctor. Coconut oil, holistic mouth rinses, or homeopathic remedy used only with permission from the doctor.
21.) No clenching or grinding of the teeth. No heavy lifting that requires clenching of the teeth.
22.) No heavy aerobics or vigorous exercising/dancing or physical activity for 3 weeks. Walking or non-strenuous activities are ok.
23.) No facial device such as snorkeling or CPAP for 2 months. Consult with the doctor if you use CPAP.
24.) ICE AREA at 10-minute intervals for the first 48 hours to minimize swelling.
25.) DO NOT BE ALARMED ABOUT SWELLING OR BRUISING FOR THE FIRST WEEK.
26.) EXPECT cold sensitivity for 6 weeks or longer. DO REPORT sensitivity during check-up appointments.
27.) PAIN CONTROL – take Pain Medication as instructed by the doctor.
28.) CALL THE DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY IF YOU HAVE UNEXPECTED PAIN, CONTINUOUS BLEEDING, HEAT OR ABNORMAL SENSATION AT THE SURGICAL SITE.
29.) Patient MUST return to our office 24 hours after surgery, 1 week after surgery, 3 weeks after surgery, and 6 weeks after surgery.
30.) After the 6th week you may brush the surgical area with the extra soft special brush dispensed or ordered by this office for 6 MONTHS.
HEMORRHAGE CONTROL: Do not suck on the wound or spit unnecessarily as it will prolong the bleeding. Do not be alarmed, it is normal to have some blood in your saliva during the next 24 to 48 hours.
ANTIBIOTIC: Please take as directed until ALL gone.
SWELLING CONTROL: To prevent swelling, the application of ice packs to the face is very effective. Ice packs should be used 10 minutes out of each hour until bedtime, do not use ice packs for longer than 48 hours. Keep your head and shoulders elevated at a 45 degree angle until bedtime. The first day after surgery, do NOT apply heat to the face unless you are specifically told to do so.
DIET: You may have clear liquids when arriving home. After 2 hours, a soft diet may be resumed. Drink plenty of fluids, but DO NOT USE A STRAW. Well balanced meals are important to recovery. Do not use any alcohol for the first week.
ORAL HYGIENE: After 24 hours, if the bleeding has stopped, a warm salt water mouth rinse (1/2 teaspoon salt in one glass of warm water) will aid in healing. Use PERIDEX after every meal. Do not swish the mouth rinse. The rinsing should not be excessively vigorous as this may affect healing. Use after every meal or at least 2 times a day. DO NOT WEAR ANY MOUTH APPLIANCES (PERIO-PROTECT, SPORTSGUARDS, FLUORIDE TRAYS, BLEACHING TRAYS, NIGHTGUARDS, ETC.) UNTIL INSTRUCTED TO BY THE DOCTOR.
REST: Avoid over fatigue. Go to bed early at night and get adequate rest during the day. Remain inactive for 24 hours.
LIPS: If the corners of your mouth are cracked or sore from the retractors during surgery, keep lubricated with a little Vaseline.
BLACK AND BLUE: Do not be alarmed if a yellow blue-black discoloration appears on your face after surgery. It may take a week or so to fade away.
POST-OP VISITS: You should return to the office for your post-operative visits at the suggested time. However, feel free to call 718-268-5779 if you are having any problems.
Questions or Concerns?
Any questions or concerns, please contact us at 718-268-5777. For emergencies, please call us at 718-268-5779.
