ARMITAGE ORAL SURGERY

Post-operative Care

What you should do following extractions

and other oral surgery procedures

BLEEDING

Some oozing of blood is expected following any surgical procedure.

If bleeding is present, bite firmly on a gauze pad or a moistened tea bag

placed directly over the surgical site for 30 minutes. Repeat as necessary.

If bleeding continues avoid spitting, laying flat, physical activity, smoking,

hot liquids, or sucking through a straw, all of which will increase bleeding.

ACTIVITY

Rest following any surgery. By sitting up or elevating your head on

2-3 pillows when lying down, you will have less oozing and swelling. Avoid

physical activities if the bleeding is present. Avoid driving or

operating hazardous equipment the day of the surgery if a general anesthetic

has been administered.

DISCOMFORT

Take Ibuprofen, Tylenol or the pain medication prescribed for you as directed

before the numbness wears off (within 2-6 hours). In general, after oral

surgery you should be feeling better by the third day. If you are not feeling

better or pain is worsening, please notify us.

DIET

You can have liquids immediately after your surgery (i.e. juice or milk shake).

Once the numbness starts to wear off, you can start having soft diet such as

soup, mashed potatoes, ice cream, jello, pudding&etc. Advance your diet

as tolerated the next day. Avoid rough foods and popcorn for several weeks.

NAUSEA

An adequate oral intake will help prevent nausea and dehydration. Nausea

can generally be prevented by taking tea with toast, broth with crackers,

7-Up, Ginger Ale, etc. Also do not use your medications on an empty

stomach. If vomiting persists the day after surgery please notify us.

SWELLING AND BRUISING

Maximum swelling normally occurs within 72 hours after surgery. Use ice

packs during the first 48 hours after the surgery to reduce swelling. Use

warm moist towels or a heating pad to help resolve the swelling after the first

48 hours has passed. The swelling and bruising may occur and persist

for 5-7 days.

Ice: Place an ice bag firmly to your cheek, ½ hour on, ½ hour off, for the

first 24-48 hours.

Heat: Apply moist, warm compresses over swollen area or a heating

pad low setting.

SUTURES

Light colored sutures may become loose and dissolve within 2-7 days.

Black sutures do not dissolve and must be removed.

ORAL HYGIENE

Brush all of your teeth, except the surgical area the night of the surgery. The

next day brush all of your teeth, brushing gently over the surgical area.

Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water three times per day

especially after meals. This will help the surgical site to heal faster.

OTHER

Numbness of the lip or tongue on the operated side may persist for up to

24 hours. The use of antibiotics may decrease the effectiveness of

oral birth control pills and the uses of alternative birth control methods

are recommended. Avoid smoking and alcoholic beverages

for at least 72 hours.

Call our office if you have any questions or problems.

Dr. Katabi can be reached in case of emergency

ARMITAGE ORAL SURGERY

Dr. F. Katabi

2220 W. Armitage Ave

Chicago, IL. 60647

773-697-4188