Ensure Proper Healing
Your recovery period after your procedure is critical to the overall success of your surgery. You must keep the surgical site undisturbed, especially if a blood clot needs to form. Most discomfort can be alleviated with cold and hot compresses and over-the-counter pain medication. We encourage you to relax for the first few days after surgery, drink the recommended amount of water, and eat nutritionally to help jumpstart your recovery. We’ll review your post-operative instructions during your visit at Dentofacial & Cosmetic Surgery Institute in West Central Florida to ensure you’re comfortable with the healing process before treatment begins.
Impacted Tooth Exposure
A certain amount of bleeding is to be expected following a surgical procedure. Slight bleeding, oozing, or redness in the saliva is not uncommon. If bleeding has not decreased in 3-4 hours, bite on a dampened tea bag placed directly over the surgical site. The tannic acid in the tea helps the blood clot.
The amount of swelling that is normally expected after an extraction depends on the type of surgery. Swelling around the mouth, cheek, eyes and side of the face in not uncommon. The swelling sometimes may not appear immediately, and it may occur up to 2-3 days post surgery. You can help to minimize the swelling by applying ice packs to the affected area. For the first 24 hours apply the ice packs directly to the area, alternating on for 20 minutes. Applying ice after 24 hours has no beneficial effect. If the swelling is significant, you may use a moist heat compress to help suppress it.
Post operative pain will be the most severe the first three days after surgery. It is beneficial to take your pain medication before your numbness wears off. For moderate pain, 800mg of ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) may be taken every 8 hours. For severe pain, take the prescribed medication that was provided. DO NOT take the pain medication on an empty stomach.
DO NOT drive an automobile or operate machinery, and AVOID alcoholic beverages. Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside more and more each day. If the pain persists, it may require attention and you should contact our office.
It is advisable to eat only soft, non-spicy foods for the first few days following surgery. AVOID hot food or liquid that could agitate the already inflamed area. AVOID rice, grits and food that are very small which may become logged in the area.
For the first few days after surgery, minimize exercise and physical activities. Do not begin a rigorous exercise, as this can cause excessive bleeding and throbbing at the surgical site. Resume physical activities slowly over the next several weeks.
Single Tooth Extraction
Minor bleeding at the surgical site is normal for the first 24 hours. If more persistent bleeding occurs, bite down firmly on a gauze pad placed on the wound for 30 minutes. Contact our office immediately if any excessive or uncontrollable bleeding occurs.
Swelling of the gums around the exposed tooth is normal. Apply an ice pack to the cheek or external area of the mouth where the surgical site is. Maintain the application of this ice pack anytime you are awake for the first 36 hours after surgery.
To reduce discomfort, begin taking over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication before the local anesthetic begins wearing off. Ibuprofen or Tylenol is generally strong enough to control post-operative pain. If prescribed medication is needed, take it only as directed. If you experience severe pain that persists, contact our office right away.
The day after your surgery, rinse with mouthwash and/or saltwater 5-6 times a day, especially after meals. Continue rinsing your mouth until the site has healed. Brush your teeth only with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and be careful not to harm the surgical site.
Immediately after surgery, drink the recommended amount of water daily to avoid dehydration. Nutritionally rich-soft foods can be eaten on the day of surgery. Avoid hot foods and liquids. You can return to a normal diet within a few days, but continue eating wholesome meals to assist your body in the healing process.
For the first few days after surgery, minimize exercise and physical activities. Do not begin a rigorous exercise, as this can cause excessive bleeding and throbbing at the surgical site. Resume physical activities slowly over the next several weeks.
Multiple Extractions
Some bleeding after your tooth extraction is normal. To stop any persistent bleeding, bite down on a gauze pad for 30 minutes at a time. This can be repeated for as long as necessary. Any bleeding that is excessive or uncontrollable should be reported to us immediately.
Minor swelling is common after tooth extraction. Consistently apply an ice pack to the area until the swelling subsides in about 48 hours.
Pain and discomfort are normal but can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Take all pain medication as instructed. The pain will subside after a few days, so contact our office in West Central Florida if this pain worsens.
If you have been prescribed antibiotics, take them as instructed, either in tablets or liquid form. Do not skip any of the medication, even if you no longer feel any pain. Antibiotics help reduce the risk of infection after surgery.
You can resume your normal oral hygiene routine 24 hours after your surgery. Floss once a day, brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and avoid brushing around the extraction site for the next 72 hours.
After your surgery, drink the recommended amount of water daily and stick to a nutritional soft-food diet. You can resume eating normally as soon as you feel comfortable biting and chewing foods. Avoid hot foods and liquids, do not use a straw, and refrain from drinking alcohol for 72 hours after surgery.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
A certain amount of bleeding is to be expected following a surgical procedure. Slight bleeding, oozing, or redness in the saliva is not uncommon. If bleeding has not decreased in 3-4 hours, bite on a dampened tea bag placed directly over the surgical site. The tannic acid in the tea helps the blood clot.
The amount of swelling that is normally expected after an extraction depends on the type of surgery. Swelling around the mouth, cheek, eyes and side of the face in not uncommon. The swelling sometimes may not appear immediately, and it may occur up to 2-3 days post surgery. You can help to minimize the swelling by applying ice packs to the affected area. For the first 24 hours apply the ice packs directly to the area, alternating on for 20 minutes. Applying ice after 24 hours has no beneficial effect. If the swelling is significant, you may use a moist heat compress to help suppress it.
Post operative pain will be the most severe the first three days after surgery. It is beneficial to take your pain medication before your numbness wears off. For moderate pain, 800mg of ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) may be taken every 8 hours. For severe pain, take the prescribed medication that was provided. DO NOT take the pain medication on an empty stomach.
DO NOT drive an automobile or operate machinery, and AVOID alcoholic beverages. Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside more and more each day. If the pain persists, it may require attention and you should contact our office.
It is advisable to eat only soft, non-spicy foods for the first few days following surgery. AVOID hot food or liquid that could agitate the already inflamed area. AVOID rice, grits and food that are very small which may become logged in the area.
For the first few days after surgery, minimize exercise and physical activities. Do not begin a rigorous exercise, as this can cause excessive bleeding and throbbing at the surgical site. Resume physical activities slowly over the next several weeks.
Dental Implant Placement
Minor bleeding is normal for the first 24 hours after your surgery. If you experience more excessive bleeding, bite down on a gauze pad placed over the wound for 30 minutes. Contact our office immediately if you have prolonged bleeding or bleeding that cannot be controlled.
Minor swelling is normal directly after surgery and may last a few days. To help minimize swelling, hold the ice pack or bag of ice wrapped in a towel to your cheek. Apply this ice as much as possible for 36 hours after your surgery.
Pain medication, such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), can be taken before the local anesthetic wears off to avoid discomfort. Follow the instructions for how many medications you can take in the given period. Take any prescription medication only as instructed. If severe pain occurs and continues, contact our office immediately.
If you’ve been prescribed antibiotics, take them as instructed by our doctor until complete. Antibiotics help to prevent infection, which is crucial to the success of your surgery.
Take any prescribed mouthwash as directed, usually the night after your surgery before you go to bed. For the next few days, use this mouthwash 1-2 times daily (morning and night) and begin rinsing your mouth with warm salt water 4-5 times a day, especially after eating. Twenty-four hours after your surgery, you can gently resume brushing your teeth and the surgical site with a soft toothbrush.
Drink the recommended amount of water daily and eat nutritionally rich food to help your body recover from surgery. Avoid drinking or eating hot beverages or foods, and do not chew foods directly on the implant site. Immediately after your surgery, stick to a soft diet (such as protein shakes, yogurt, applesauce, etc.). You can return to a normal diet within a few days or as instructed by our doctor.
For the first week after surgery, refrain from exercising or physical activities that can increase blood flow and disturb the surgical site. Also, avoid activities that increase the risk of impact or injury to your mouth. If, during exercise, you experience complications such as bleeding or throbbing at the surgical site, discontinue activities immediately and contact our office.
Socket Bone Grafting
Some bleeding is normal after surgery. A common mistake when applying gauze pads is clenching teeth to hold them in place instead of firmly pressing them down on the surgical site. This can cause heavier bleeding. Contact our office immediately if the bleeding worsens or does not stop.
Minor swelling is normal and will be most evident 48 hours after surgery. To minimize swelling, keep the head elevated and apply ice packs to the area in 30-minute intervals. After 48 hours have passed, apply warm compresses instead.
Pain is a normal result of surgery and can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain medications such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen. If prescription medication has been provided, take it only as instructed by our doctor. Medication should begin before the local anesthetic wears off and should be taken with food to avoid nausea. Contact our office if the pain worsens or does not subside within normal time.
Bruising may occur and be noticeable 1-2 days after surgery. Cold and warm compresses can help reduce the visible signs of bruising, which will fade on their own within a few days or weeks.
If antibiotics are prescribed, take all the medication as directed until the series is complete. This helps reduce the chances of infection at the surgical site. Be watchful of the signs of infection, including increased swelling, intense pain, and foul-tasting drainage from the surgical site. Contact us immediately if this occurs.
Do not vigorously rinse your mouth or spit for at least 3-5 days after surgery. Gentle rinsing with warm salt water or mouthwash can resume the day after your procedure. Carefully brush and floss teeth, but do not disturb the surgical site. Avoid touching the area with your tongue or finger, and do not lift your lip to minimize the chances of tearing the sutures.
Stick to a mild, soft food diet for at least the first 2-4 days. These foods should be easy to consume without biting or chewing and be nutritionally rich to help your body heal properly. A normal diet can be resumed once the area has healed. Do not smoke or consume alcohol for at least two weeks after surgery or for as long as possible.
If you’re receiving a denture or flipper, we’ll have specific instructions on the day of your surgery. We may instruct you to wear your prosthesis immediately, leave it in place for 48 hours before removing it, or refrain from wearing it until the site has healed. If you have been instructed to wear your prosthesis and sores or swelling develops on your gums, remove it and contact our office immediately.
Impacted Tooth Exposure
A certain amount of bleeding is to be expected following a surgical procedure. Slight bleeding, oozing, or redness in the saliva is not uncommon. If bleeding has not decreased in 3-4 hours, bite on a dampened tea bag placed directly over the surgical site. The tannic acid in the tea helps the blood clot.
The amount of swelling that is normally expected after an extraction depends on the type of surgery. Swelling around the mouth, cheek, eyes and side of the face in not uncommon. The swelling sometimes may not appear immediately, and it may occur up to 2-3 days post surgery. You can help to minimize the swelling by applying ice packs to the affected area. For the first 24 hours apply the ice packs directly to the area, alternating on for 20 minutes. Applying ice after 24 hours has no beneficial effect. If the swelling is significant, you may use a moist heat compress to help suppress it.
Post operative pain will be the most severe the first three days after surgery. It is beneficial to take your pain medication before your numbness wears off. For moderate pain, 800mg of ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) may be taken every 8 hours. For severe pain, take the prescribed medication that was provided. DO NOT take the pain medication on an empty stomach.
DO NOT drive an automobile or operate machinery, and AVOID alcoholic beverages. Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside more and more each day. If the pain persists, it may require attention and you should contact our office.
It is advisable to eat only soft, non-spicy foods for the first few days following surgery. AVOID hot food or liquid that could agitate the already inflamed area. AVOID rice, grits and food that are very small which may become logged in the area.
For the first few days after surgery, minimize exercise and physical activities. Do not begin a rigorous exercise, as this can cause excessive bleeding and throbbing at the surgical site. Resume physical activities slowly over the next several weeks.
Single Tooth Extraction
Minor bleeding at the surgical site is normal for the first 24 hours. If more persistent bleeding occurs, bite down firmly on a gauze pad placed on the wound for 30 minutes. Contact our office immediately if any excessive or uncontrollable bleeding occurs.
Swelling of the gums around the exposed tooth is normal. Apply an ice pack to the cheek or external area of the mouth where the surgical site is. Maintain the application of this ice pack anytime you are awake for the first 36 hours after surgery.
To reduce discomfort, begin taking over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication before the local anesthetic begins wearing off. Ibuprofen or Tylenol is generally strong enough to control post-operative pain. If prescribed medication is needed, take it only as directed. If you experience severe pain that persists, contact our office right away.
The day after your surgery, rinse with mouthwash and/or saltwater 5-6 times a day, especially after meals. Continue rinsing your mouth until the site has healed. Brush your teeth only with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and be careful not to harm the surgical site.
Immediately after surgery, drink the recommended amount of water daily to avoid dehydration. Nutritionally rich-soft foods can be eaten on the day of surgery. Avoid hot foods and liquids. You can return to a normal diet within a few days, but continue eating wholesome meals to assist your body in the healing process.
For the first few days after surgery, minimize exercise and physical activities. Do not begin a rigorous exercise, as this can cause excessive bleeding and throbbing at the surgical site. Resume physical activities slowly over the next several weeks.
Multiple Extractions
Some bleeding after your tooth extraction is normal. To stop any persistent bleeding, bite down on a gauze pad for 30 minutes at a time. This can be repeated for as long as necessary. Any bleeding that is excessive or uncontrollable should be reported to us immediately.
Minor swelling is common after tooth extraction. Consistently apply an ice pack to the area until the swelling subsides in about 48 hours.
Pain and discomfort are normal but can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Take all pain medication as instructed. The pain will subside after a few days, so contact our office in West Central Florida if this pain worsens.
If you have been prescribed antibiotics, take them as instructed, either in tablets or liquid form. Do not skip any of the medication, even if you no longer feel any pain. Antibiotics help reduce the risk of infection after surgery.
You can resume your normal oral hygiene routine 24 hours after your surgery. Floss once a day, brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and avoid brushing around the extraction site for the next 72 hours.
After your surgery, drink the recommended amount of water daily and stick to a nutritional soft-food diet. You can resume eating normally as soon as you feel comfortable biting and chewing foods. Avoid hot foods and liquids, do not use a straw, and refrain from drinking alcohol for 72 hours after surgery.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Minor bleeding at the surgical site is normal for the first 24 hours. If more persistent bleeding occurs, bite down firmly on a gauze pad placed on the wound for 30 minutes. Contact our office immediately if any excessive or uncontrollable bleeding occurs.
Swelling of the gums around the exposed tooth is normal. Apply an ice pack to the cheek or external area of the mouth where the surgical site is. Maintain the application of this ice pack anytime you are awake for the first 36 hours after surgery.
To reduce discomfort, begin taking over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication before the local anesthetic begins wearing off. Ibuprofen or Tylenol is generally strong enough to control post-operative pain. If prescribed medication is needed, take it only as directed. If you experience severe pain that persists, contact our office right away.
To reduce discomfort, begin taking over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication before the local anesthetic begins wearing off. Ibuprofen or Tylenol is generally strong enough to control post-operative pain. If prescribed medication is needed, take it only as directed. If you experience severe pain that persists, contact our office right away.
The day after your surgery, rinse with mouthwash and/or saltwater 5-6 times a day, especially after meals. Continue rinsing your mouth until the site has healed. Brush your teeth only with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and be careful not to harm the surgical site.
Immediately after surgery, drink the recommended amount of water daily to avoid dehydration. Nutritionally rich-soft foods can be eaten on the day of surgery. Avoid hot foods and liquids. You can return to a normal diet within a few days, but continue eating wholesome meals to assist your body in the healing process.
For the first few days after surgery, minimize exercise and physical activities. Do not begin a rigorous exercise, as this can cause excessive bleeding and throbbing at the surgical site. Resume physical activities slowly over the next several weeks.
Dental Implant Placement
Minor bleeding is normal for the first 24 hours after your surgery. If you experience more excessive bleeding, bite down on a gauze pad placed over the wound for 30 minutes. Contact our office immediately if you have prolonged bleeding or bleeding that cannot be controlled.
Minor swelling is normal directly after surgery and may last a few days. To help minimize swelling, hold the ice pack or bag of ice wrapped in a towel to your cheek. Apply this ice as much as possible for 36 hours after your surgery.
Pain medication, such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), can be taken before the local anesthetic wears off to avoid discomfort. Follow the instructions for how many medications you can take in the given period. Take any prescription medication only as instructed. If severe pain occurs and continues, contact our office immediately.
If you’ve been prescribed antibiotics, take them as instructed by our doctor until complete. Antibiotics help to prevent infection, which is crucial to the success of your surgery.
Take any prescribed mouthwash as directed, usually the night after your surgery before you go to bed. For the next few days, use this mouthwash 1-2 times daily (morning and night) and begin rinsing your mouth with warm salt water 4-5 times a day, especially after eating. Twenty-four hours after your surgery, you can gently resume brushing your teeth and the surgical site with a soft toothbrush.
Drink the recommended amount of water daily and eat nutritionally rich food to help your body recover from surgery. Avoid drinking or eating hot beverages or foods, and do not chew foods directly on the implant site. Immediately after your surgery, stick to a soft diet (such as protein shakes, yogurt, applesauce, etc.). You can return to a normal diet within a few days or as instructed by our doctor.
For the first week after surgery, refrain from exercising or physical activities that can increase blood flow and disturb the surgical site. Also, avoid activities that increase the risk of impact or injury to your mouth. If, during exercise, you experience complications such as bleeding or throbbing at the surgical site, discontinue activities immediately and contact our office.
Socket Bone Grafting
Some bleeding is normal after surgery. A common mistake when applying gauze pads is clenching teeth to hold them in place instead of firmly pressing them down on the surgical site. This can cause heavier bleeding. Contact our office immediately if the bleeding worsens or does not stop.
Minor swelling is normal and will be most evident 48 hours after surgery. To minimize swelling, keep the head elevated and apply ice packs to the area in 30-minute intervals. After 48 hours have passed, apply warm compresses instead.
Pain is a normal result of surgery and can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain medications such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen. If prescription medication has been provided, take it only as instructed by our doctor. Medication should begin before the local anesthetic wears off and should be taken with food to avoid nausea. Contact our office if the pain worsens or does not subside within normal time.
Bruising may occur and be noticeable 1-2 days after surgery. Cold and warm compresses can help reduce the visible signs of bruising, which will fade on their own within a few days or weeks.
If antibiotics are prescribed, take all the medication as directed until the series is complete. This helps reduce the chances of infection at the surgical site. Be watchful of the signs of infection, including increased swelling, intense pain, and foul-tasting drainage from the surgical site. Contact us immediately if this occurs.
Do not vigorously rinse your mouth or spit for at least 3-5 days after surgery. Gentle rinsing with warm salt water or mouthwash can resume the day after your procedure. Carefully brush and floss teeth, but do not disturb the surgical site. Avoid touching the area with your tongue or finger, and do not lift your lip to minimize the chances of tearing the sutures.
Stick to a mild, soft food diet for at least the first 2-4 days. These foods should be easy to consume without biting or chewing and be nutritionally rich to help your body heal properly. A normal diet can be resumed once the area has healed. Do not smoke or consume alcohol for at least two weeks after surgery or for as long as possible.
If you’re receiving a denture or flipper, we’ll have specific instructions on the day of your surgery. We may instruct you to wear your prosthesis immediately, leave it in place for 48 hours before removing it, or refrain from wearing it until the site has healed. If you have been instructed to wear your prosthesis and sores or swelling develops on your gums, remove it and contact our office immediately.
