Post-Op Care Instructions
Your procedure is complete, and now your journey to healing begins. Following these instructions carefully can ensure your smooth and comfortable recovery. We are here to support you—please feel free to reach out if you have any questions at any time.
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Immediately After Your Surgery
Your safety and comfort are our main concerns as you leave our care. Please arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours. For the remainder of the day, plan to rest quietly and avoid any strenuous activity. Allowing your body to heal is the main priority right now.
How to Manage Discomfort
It is normal to experience some discomfort as the anesthesia wears off. To help you feel better, we recommend applying an ice pack to the outside of your cheek for 20 minutes on, then 20 minutes off, for the first 24-48 hours. This will help reduce swelling. You can also take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, but please follow the directions on the bottle or any specific instructions we gave you.
Keeping Your Mouth Clean
Gentle oral hygiene is key to preventing infection. You can brush your teeth carefully but be sure to avoid the surgical area. We may also recommend rinsing with a warm saltwater solution or a prescribed mouth rinse. Please do not use commercial mouthwashes unless we have specifically approved them, as they can sometimes irritate the healing tissue.
Resuming Your Activities
As you begin to feel better, you can gradually return to your normal routine. However, it is important to avoid any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for the period we discussed with you. Listening to your body is important; if an activity causes pain or throbbing, it is best to stop and rest.
When to Call Us
Your follow-up care is an essential part of your recovery. Please schedule any recommended follow-up appointments so we can check your progress. It is important to contact our office right away if you experience any of the following:
- Severe pain that is not relieved by your medication
- Bleeding that seems excessive or does not stop
- Signs of infection, such as fever, pus, or worsening swelling
We are your partners in this healing process. If you have any questions or concerns at all, please do not hesitate to call our office.
Contact UsFrequently Asked Questions
For the first few days, stick to soft foods like yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and soup. Avoid anything hot, spicy, or crunchy that could irritate the surgical site. We will provide you with a more detailed list of food suggestions.
Swelling is a normal part of healing and usually peaks around the second or third day after surgery. Using ice packs as directed will help manage it. If you notice swelling that increases significantly after the third day, please give us a call.
This depends on the type of procedure you had and the nature of your work. Most people take a few days off to rest and recover. We will give you a personalized recommendation based on your specific situation.
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Expert Surgeons, Compassionate Hearts
Our surgeons are more than just highly trained experts; they are dedicated caregivers who truly want the best for you.
