Post-Operative Instructions for Oral Surgery

Go directly home after surgery and rest. Keep your head elevated. If you had IV sedation, your escort must drive you home. Do not drive or operate machinery.
Place gauze over the surgical area for one hour with light pressure. Replace every 40 minutes if bleeding continues until it turns pink. Slight oozing is normal. For persistent bleeding, use a wet tea bag and bite with firm pressure for one hour. Call the office if uncontrolled.
Place ice wrapped in a towel on your cheek/surgical area. Alternate 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off. Swelling will peak between 36–48 hours and is normal.
Do not drink through a straw, smoke, rinse, or spit for the first 24 hours. Avoid bending or heavy lifting for at least 3 days. No gym or intense exercise.
Eat soft foods and drink liquids for several days. Examples: mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, yogurt, milkshakes, pudding, ice cream.
Take your medications as directed and never on an empty stomach. Pain medication may cause lightheadedness or nausea. Resting helps reduce these effects. Do not drive or operate machinery while on pain meds.
Do not drink alcohol or use sedatives while taking pain medication.
After 24 hours, begin brushing teeth and rinsing with warm salt water after meals. If prescribed, use Peridex starting 5 days after surgery, twice a day for one week (after breakfast and before bed).
If you experience symptoms of COVID-19 within 14 days after surgery, please contact our office immediately.

If you have any questions, please contact our office. We are here to help.