These instructions are designed to help your post-procedural recovery be as comfortable as possible. Please take the time to read through this information carefully. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call our office on (206) 682-9269.
Oral Hygiene
For the first 2 weeks/14 days, do not use a toothbrush, floss or any other dental hygiene tools on the surgical area to allow the site to heal undisturbed. However, you may continue to brush and floss all other areas in your mouth as usual.
Do not smoke post-procedural for a minimum of 72 hours. We highly recommend smoking cessation
For the next 7 days, continue to rinse gently for 30 seconds 2 x more a day with warm salt water (1 teaspoon for 8 ounces of warm water) or hydrogen peroxide and water mix (50/50).
For plaque and food build up, you may use a Q-tip to clean off the teeth near the surgical site.
IF given an extra soft toothbrush, use only after 2 weeks/14 days from the surgery date.
For extractions, do not excessively rinse, swish or use a start for the next 72 hours.
Comfort
Some discomfort can be expected, especially when the anesthetic wears off. Some patients experience very little discomfort, while others have experienced several days of significant discomfort.
Prescriptions - IF you have been provided with narcotics, this medication can impair coordination and abilities. Do not drive or drink alcoholic beverages while taking this medication. Use only as directed and do not exceed the recommended dosages.
Take the combination of ibuprofen and acetaminophen, as recommended by Dr Herron post surgery every 4-6 hours.
Over the counter : ibuprofen (Advid/Motrin) and Acetominiphone (Tylenol) in conjunction are more effective than either on their own.
Maximum dosage for 24 hours ; ibuprofen - 3200 mg , Acetaminophen - 3000 mg.
Sutures (Stitches)
Dissolvable - usually these dissolve/loosen in approximately 5-10 days.
Non-dissolvable. You will return 2-4 weeks to have these removed.
If sutures are hanging, you may clip them, but do NOT pull/tug on sutures
Diet
For the first 24 hours avoid warm/hot foods or drinks. (this may increase excessive blood flow to the area).
For 2 weeks/14 days stick to a soft food diet. Avoid hard and crunchy foods along with seeds/nuts that can get stuck in the surgery site.
If possible, chew on the opposite side of the surgery site.
Be your own judge. For the first 24 hours or until tolerable, you may want to avoid foods/liquids that are spicy or acidic.
Bleeding
When the aesthetic wears off, it is normal to have some bleeding as the blood vessels open.
Apply gauze to the area and gently hold pressure.
Hold cold water in your mouth until it warms, then spit out out (repeat as needed).
Should bleeding persist, or become excessive, please directly contact our office.
Swelling
This is not uncommon and usually peaks on the 3rd day following surgery
Tonight: To prevent swelling and ease pain, apply an ice pack to the outside of the face for about 10 minutes, at least 2 times and repeat as needed. More icing is better. Continue to use ice daily until the swelling is gone. Call our office if swelling is excessive and/or persists after five days.
Exercise
Do not exercise for the next 3 days
Regular walking is OK. Exercise can increase excess blood flow to the surgery area that can disrupt the healing process. It is also important that you rest well to ensure healing.