Surgical Instructions

Home Care

“Post - Operative” Instructions After Oral Surgery

Bleeding

Minor bleeding after oral surgery is expected for 1-2 days. Biting down on gauze immediately after the procedure will control the bleeding. Change out the gauze pads every 30 minutes. If you are having difficulty controlling bleeding, bite down on a moist black tea bag for 30 minutes. Try not to talk for the first half hour after surgery so that you can maintain pressure on the gauze pad. Do not spit or drink through a straw for the first 2-3 days, as this will dislodge the blood clot and potentially result in a dry socket. If major bleeding occurs that you cannot control with gauze or a black tea bag, apply pressure and call the office. If after hours, call the office number and wait for the prompts to be connected with Dr. Robinson.

Stitches

If stitches were placed, they will help control the bleeding. Try not to play with the stitches with your tongue. Unless told otherwise by the doctor, the stitches will dissolve on their own in about a week, but may fall out sooner ( 2-3 days).

Hygiene

You may brush your remaining teeth today, but avoid the areas where you had surgery. Brush very slowly and softly. Do not swish or use mouth rinses on the day you have surgery. Starting the next day, you should perform warm saltwater rinses 3-4 times per day, 30 seconds each. Mix up to a half-teaspoon of salt with a small cup of warm (not hot) water, and swish. This will speed healing. If prescribed chlorhexidine please take it as instructed.

Tobacco

Do not smoke or use tobacco products for at least 7 days. Smoking will prevent or delaying healing and can lead to infection and/or a painful dry socket. You may use a nicotine patch, but not electronic cigarettes.

Ice Pack

Ice packs will help prevent swelling if used in the first 24 hours after your surgery. You can use the ice packs given to you after surgery or simply place ice cubes in a towel and apply to your face in the area where you had surgery, 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off. Do no apply ice directly to your skin as it will cause skin injury.

Medication

Take all medication as prescribed. Do not drive or operate any kind of vehicle while taking narcotic medications. Narcotics may also cause constipation, requiring you to take an over-the-counter stool softener.

Position

Sleep with your head elevated to prevent swelling or throbbing at the surgical site for the 2-3 days after surgery.

Activity

For the first several days after surgery avoid bending, lifting, or strenuous physical activity as this may result in an increase in bleeding, swelling, and pain. You should be careful when going from the lying down to standing position, as you could get light headed. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for 5-7 days.

Diet

Be careful with chewing while your lips and tongue are numb as you may bite yourself and not realize it. For the first 4-5 days after surgery, you may eat soft foods (ice cream, jello, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, etc.). Drink plenty of cool/cold fluids. Do not eat very hot or crunchy foods until your surgical site has healed (at least 1 week).

Dry Socket

The blood clot that forms within the socket acts as a “bandaid” to the bone. If the clot is prematurely lost, then the bone is exposed and the result can be a painful, throbbing pain. The condition is temporary but may require the placement of a medication into the socket. It is best to prevent a dry socket, so: no spitting, rigorous rinsing, or drinking through a straw for the first 3-4 days after surgery. Do not smoke.

CONTACT

During business hours, if you are experiencing a problem that cannot be addressed by the above instructions, call the office. 

After business hours, if you experience an URGENT problem related to surgery, Dr. Robinson can be reached by calling (202) 871-1955, and following the prompts to his direct line. 

Leave a message with your name, phone number, problem you are experiencing, and you will receive a callback.

Please call only the office for all questions relating to appointments or billing. In case of an emergency, call 911 or go to the Emergency Room.