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Care Procedures After Surgery Bleeding To prevent unnecessary bleeding, maintain gentle pressure over the surgery site(s) while holding the ice pack. Pressure should be continued for 1-2 hours or until most of the bleeding has stopped. Change the ice pack every 15-20 minutes or when melted. It is not unusual to have some slight oozing for up to 24 hours. Rest today and keep your head slightly elevated. Do not engage in physical activity since this increases your blood pressure, which may stimulate bleeding. Medications Unless you already have your medications, pick them up very soon and take as directed. Frequently with oral surgery a long-acting local anesthetic is used– especially if bone was removed. This prevents pain, but may also prolong numbness for up to 6-8 hours after surgery. Take a pain pill when you first feel discomfort. If you took sedative medications (such as valium), do not drive for at least 24 hours after surgery. Eating It is important to get an adequate, balanced nutrition after surgery to help the healing process. Ensure is a convenient drink which offers a balanced nutrition. Also many of the dietary-weight loss drinks work well. We suggest increasing your vitamin C, green leafy vegetables, and B-complex vitamins. We have provided two suggested recipes on the back of this brochure. Please experiment with soft, medium temperature selections. Rinsing and Brushing Do not rinse for the first day after surgery since this could dislodge the blood clot. After 24 hours, rinse with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of table salt in 8 oz. of water) 3-4 times a day for 4-5 days. We often place a barricade dressing (like a Band-Aid) over the site. Try not to disturb this. It should remain on for at least 5 days. Ice Packs To help prevent swelling, ice packs should be applied to the face adjacent to the surgery sites. This is especially important if bone was removed. To the extent possible, apply for periods of 20 minutes on, and 20 minutes off then 20 minutes on again. Repeat it every 2-3 hours. Ice is not particularly useful after the first day. With most oral surgery, swelling peaks at about 48 hours, and then goes down. Significant swelling beyond this time period could indicate infection. If this occurs, call our office number (293-8944). Should you have any difficulties or concerns, you may contact our office after hours and leave a message or contact the Doctor at his home: 434-979-3109.
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