Post-operative advice should be respected to aid healing. Note that after the treatment, it is normal to feel some discomfort. Especially where the patient was anesthetized, the lips and tongue may be numb for several hours after treatment.
After a few days the symptoms will ease and normal activities can resume.
The day of surgery
- The patient shouldn’t worry about moderate bleeding, this is common. Apply sterile gauze to bleeding point and apply pressure with the finger or biting on the compress for 10-30 minutes.
- Apply a cold pack wrapped in tissue on the cheek at regular intervals (20 minutes of ice every hour).
Avoid
– Avoid sticky and hard food (chewing gum, sweets).
– Do not rinse your mouth (even with the mouthwash), or spit.
– Avoid drinking through a straw.
– Avoid smoking.
– Avoid hot food & drinks. Eat warm, soft foods.
– Avoid strenuous activities, rest.
Pain
- In the first 24 to 72 hours, carefully take the medication you were prescribed to alleviate pain. Avoid taking aspirin.
- If you have been prescribed antibiotics for this treatment, continue to take them for the indicated period of time, even if symptoms disappear.
From the day after surgery until full recovery
- Food:
– Try eating on the opposite side of the mouth.
– Aim to have a varied diet.
– Avoid eating hard and sticky food (nuts, sweets, ice).
– Resume your normal diet as soon as you are able to do so.
- Hygiene:
– Brush your teeth with a post-surgical toothbrush, being especially careful around the operated area. During the first three days it is better to avoid this area.
– After the 3rd day, rinse your mouth three times a day with mouthwash.
Bruises may appear on the skin. These should disappear within 5-7 days. It is common to encounter difficulties opening the mouth too. These difficulties are due to the hematoma which causes muscle contracture; do not force it will heal gradually. Everything should be back to normal within 4-5 days.
You may encounter problems with pronunciation and increased saliva. This should go within in a week.
Do not hesitate to call us if after three days if the bleeding continues, the pain/swelling increases or if there is a reaction to the medicine (such as an itchy rash /heartburn).
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