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If you have any questions about these instructions prior to surgery, please reach out to our staff at Oral Surgery on Merivale. We will also go over these instructions and provide you with any additional information you need during your pre-surgery visit.

Please note that patients who have been administered oral and IV sedative drugs are still subject to the drug effects including drowsiness. You are therefore being discharged to the care of a responsible adult, and we reiterate that you are NOT to operate a motor vehicle or other machinery for the next twenty-four (24) hours. Also, do not use alcohol or smoke.

Discomfort

Take Ibuprofen 400mg every 4-6 hours for the next 4 days while awake for pain. Also take Tylenol 500mg 2 tablets 4 times a day for 4 days in between the doses of Ibuprofen. Certain people may experience upset stomach from such medication and if this occurs, take the medication after having something to eat or drink. Take other prescribed pain medication as written on the prescription to supplement the above.

Nausea & Vomiting

In the event of nausea/vomiting, you may take Quick Dissolve Antinauseant (Gravol). Avoid solid foods and prescribed medication for at least 1 hour. Do sip on warm tea or ginger ale slowly over 15-minute intervals.

Men with healthy smiles
Bleeding

When you get home take gauze out of the mouth. Only use more if there is severe bleeding. Blood mixed with saliva for the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery is normal. Should prolonged bleeding persist:

  • Wipe away any clots or excess blood with a clean tissue.
  • Place moist gauze directly over the bleeding area and bite down firmly for 45 minutes and repeat ONLY IF NECESSARY.
  • Avoid vigorous spitting and rinsing for the first 24 hours.
  • No drinking fluids by a straw for the first 24 hours.
  • No smoking and/or drinking alcoholic beverages for the first 24 hours.
  • Bruising may occur on the skin surface and will resolve on its own.
  • Keep your head elevated until bleeding stops.
Swelling

This is common following surgery and usually peaks 2-3 days after surgery, then gradually subsides. Apply ice pack to the outside of cheek adjacent to the area of surgery for 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off for remainder of the day while awake, and also the next day after surgery. Doing this will minimize the swelling. Swelling also causes stiffening of the facial muscles and exercising (opening and closing the mouth periodically during the day) will help loosen the muscles.

Mouth Care

Please do not rinse for the remainder of the day of surgery. It is important to keep your mouth and teeth as clean as possible after surgery. Starting the next morning, rinse with warm water (1/4 tsp salt may be added to an 8-ounce glass) every 1 to 2 hours, to remove debris from the surgical site(s). Continue for 1 week following surgery. Resume brushing teeth and tongue the day after surgery. Brush after meals, before bed and when you awake in the morning.

Diet

For the first 24 hours or until one is comfortable, you should drink plenty of fluids and eat soft foods. Examples of these include instant breakfasts, eggs, soups, pasta, Jell-O, pudding, milk, puree foods, custards, yogurt, and milkshakes. Avoid extreme HOT or COLD foods and beverages while freezing is present.

Activity

This depends on the difficulty and extent of the surgery as well as the medication given during and after the procedure. Generally, it is advised that you go home and relax the rest of the day of surgery and avoid any significant activity. Working out and sports such as hockey, football, etc. should be avoided for at 3 to 5 days after surgery.

Stitches

Stitches will dissolve on their own and can take up to 14 days.

Issues & Concerns

If problems develop, notify our office at 613-224-4599.

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