Post-Op Instructions from Your Daytona Beach Dentist
The first 24 hours following surgery are the most critical in determining how comfortable you’ll be, how quickly you’ll heal, and your risk of infection or complications. Anything that disturbs or delays the formation of the fragile blood clots at the surgical site can lead to these complications. The following Do’s and Don’ts are all aimed at helping the healing process get off to the right start.
Do
- Get plenty of rest and keep physical activity to a minimum
- Drink lots of water
- Stick to a soft diet such as thick soup, ground beef, well-cooked vegetables, and eggs
Do Not
- Use any tobacco products — this is very important
- Drink carbonated beverages, since the bubbles can dissolve the blood clot
- Drink alcohol, which causes blood vessels to expand and bleed more easily
- Drink through a straw, since the suction can induce bleeding
- Drink hot beverages like coffee or tea, as heat dilates blood vessels
- Forcefully rinse your mouth
- Skip any meals — your body needs nutrition to heal
What to Expect and What to Do About It
Bleeding. Some oozing during the first day following surgery isn’t unusual. After your tooth was removed, a gauze compress was placed and you were instructed to keep your jaws firmly closed for one hour. You can throw away the compress once bleeding has stopped. If slight bleeding continues, place a fresh, clean, folded, and wet gauze on the area so it makes pressure when your jaws are closed, and repeat as needed.
Swelling. This is a normal response to injury and will always be present to some extent, typically peaking after 24 hours. Some dark discoloration on the cheek or face may also appear. Once numbness from the anesthesia has worn off (2-4 hours), apply ice wrapped in a dry towel to the outside of the face for 20 minutes, then reapply after another 20 minutes as needed. After the first day, switch to a warm, moist compress.
Pain. The amount of discomfort you experience depends on the extent of the surgery, the location of the surgical site, and your individual pain threshold. Discomfort is much easier to manage if medication is taken before symptoms become severe. Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and related pain relievers are very effective; if stronger pain management is needed, take any prescription medication provided to you.
Swelling and pain that increase after 48 hours, fever, or difficulty breathing or swallowing are signs of a possible infection. If you have any concerns, call the office at (386) 253-3629 or contact the doctor on his cell phone at (386) 795-7535.
Post-Op Instructions FAQs
How long should I expect bleeding to last after surgery?
Some light oozing is normal for the first day. If bleeding continues, apply a fresh, damp gauze with gentle pressure. Persistent or heavy bleeding beyond the first day should be reported to our office.
When can I resume normal eating after my procedure?
Stick to a soft diet for the first few days, gradually reintroducing other foods as you heal and feel comfortable, typically within a week or so.
How long will swelling last?
Swelling typically peaks around 24 hours after surgery and improves over the following days. Ice during the first 24 hours and warm compresses afterward can help manage it.
What pain medication is safe to take after surgery?
Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and similar over-the-counter pain relievers are usually effective. If you were given a prescription medication, follow the instructions provided by our team.
What are signs I should call the office right away?
Swelling or pain that increases after 48 hours, fever, or difficulty breathing or swallowing are signs of a possible infection and should be reported immediately.
Can I brush my teeth normally after surgery?
Be gentle around the surgical site for the first few days, and follow any specific instructions given to you at your appointment regarding rinsing and brushing near the area.