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IMMEDIATE TEMPORARY DENTURE(S)
POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
PLEASE READ INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY.
Sometimes the after effects of treatment are quite minimal, so not all of these
instructions may apply, common sense will often dictate what you should
do. It is our desire that your recovery be as smooth and pleasant as
possible. Following these instructions will assist you, but if you have
questions about your progress, please call the office where you had
treatment. Please try to call during office hours, however, if an emergency
exists contact the doctors at home. Calling during office hours will afford a
faster response.
DAY OF SURGERY
FIRST HOUR
Bite
down gently but firmly on the denture that has been placed over the
surgical area, making sure it remains in place. This will promote
clotting and will decrease the initial flow of blood.
EXERCISE CARE
Do
not disturb the surgical area today. DO NOT rinse vigorously or probe
the area with any objects or your fingers. You may brush your teeth
gently. DO NOT SMOKE for at least 48 hours, since it is very detrimental to healing.
OOZING
Intermittent bleeding or oozing is normal. This bleeding can last for up to 2-3 days.
STEADY BLEEDING
Bleeding
should never be severe. If bleeding persists or becomes heavy, you may
substitute a tea bag for your denture (soaked in hot water, squeezed
damp-dry and wrapped in a moist gauze) for 20 or 30 minutes. If
bleeding remains uncontrolled, please call our office.
SWELLING
Often there is some swelling associated with oral
surgery. You can minimize this by using a cold pack or ice bag wrapped
in a towel and applied firmly to face or cheek adjacent to the surgical
area. This should be applied 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off during
the first 12-24 hours after surgery. If you have been prescribed
medicine for the control of swelling, be sure to take it as directed.
After 24 hours, it is usually best to switch from ice to moist heat to
the same areas.
PAIN
Unfortunately most oral surgery is
accompanied by some degree of discomfort. You may have a prescription
for pain medication, and if you take the first dose before the
anesthetic has worn off, you will be able to manage any discomfort
better. Effects of pain medicines vary widely among individuals. If you do not achieve adequate relief, you
may supplement each dose with an analgesic such as aspirin, ibuprofen,
naproxen sodium (Aleve) or acetaminophen. Analgesics with
anti-inflammatory effects such as ibuprofen, Aleve and aspirin often
give better relief than acetaminophen. Remember that the most severe
discomfort is usually within the first six hours after the anesthetic
wears off: after that your need for medicine should lessen.
NAUSEA
Nausea
is not an uncommon event after surgery, and it is sometimes caused by
stronger pain medicines. Preceding each pill with a small amount of
soft food, then taking a pill with a large volume of water may reduce
nausea. Try to keep taking clear liquids and minimize the pain
medication, but call us if you do not feel better or if repeated
vomiting is a problem. Cola drinks that have less carbonation may help
with nausea.
DENTURE CARE
Keep the denture or partial in until you go to
sleep tonight. The denture should be taken out and rinsed and rinsed
immediately put back in to prevent swelling.
DIET
Eat
any nourishing food that can be taken with comfort. Temperature of the
food doesn't matter, but avoid extremely hot foods. It is sometimes
advisable, but not required, to confine the first day's intake to bland
liquids or pureed foods (creamed soups, puddings, yogurt, milk shakes,
etc.). Avoid foods like nuts, sunflower seeds, popcorn, etc., that may
get lodged in the socket areas. Over the next several days you can
progress to solid foods at your own pace. It is important not to skip
meals! If you take nourishment regularly, you will feel better, gain
strength, have less discomfort and heal faster. If you are a diabetic,
maintain your normal eating habits as much as possible and follow
instructions from us or from your physician regarding your insulin
schedule.
SHARP EDGES
If you feel
sharp edges in the surgical areas with your tongue, it is probably the
bony walls, which originally supported the teeth. Occasionally, small
slivers of bone may work themselves out during the first week or two
after surgery. They are not pieces of tooth and, if necessary, we will
remove them. Please call the office if you are concerned
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