Postoperative instructions must be strictly adhered to in order to promote healing.
Some discomfort should be expected after surgery, including swelling.
Postoperative Information
Day of Surgery
BLEEDING
Keep the compresses in your mouth for 1 to 2 hours with firm pressure and change them every half hour as needed.
Be careful, it is important not to spit to avoid increasing bleeding.
If bleeding persists, bite down hard in a moistened tampon or tea bag for 45 minutes. Repeat if necessary.
If bleeding persists, do not hesitate to continue these procedures for an extended period of 4 to 6 hours.
Keep your head elevated and rest in calmness.
During the first 24 to 48 hours following the operation, apply an ice bag to the affected area at 30-minute intervals.
Blood loss and coloration of saliva are normal postoperative effects.
TO AVOID
Avoid eating until bleeding has completely stopped. However, if the bleeding lasts longer than 5 hours, we recommend eating a little food to counteract the negative effects of the medication on an empty stomach.
For the first 24 hours, avoid all sucking motions, mouthwash, smoking, exercise and drinking through a straw. Avoid vigorous sports and physical activity for the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery.
PAIN
Take the pain medication as prescribed. If the prescribed medication does not adequately relieve the pain, please call our emergency phone number.
NUTRITION
Eat only lukewarm foods of soft or liquid consistency for 24 hours after the procedure. You will be able to eat between 2 and 4 hours after surgery, as long as the bleeding is controlled (see exceptions in the section TO AVOID).
Medications
If you are prescribed antibiotics, it is very important that you take them all and avoid both forgetting and postponing doses.
24 Hours After Surgery
Until Complete Recovery
Gently rinse your mouth with salt water (mix 1/4 teaspoon of salt with 200 ml/8 oz of boiled water).
Repeat rinsing after each meal until the next appointment.
Return to a normal diet 2 to 3 days after the operation.
Continue to take your pain medication and rest if you feel the need.
After 48 hours, apply warm compresses to the cheeks if needed.
If you have been prescribed antibiotics, continue the treatment until the very end, as instructed.