Post-Operation Care Instructions

Your procedure is complete, and your journey toward healing has now begun. It’s important to follow these post-operative instructions carefully, as this will help ensure your recovery is comfortable and successful. Your body needs time to rest and repair, and our team created this guide to support you every step of the way. Please know we are here for you, and we encourage you to call us if you have any questions at all.

Immediate Post-Surgery Care

The first 24 hours after your procedure are the most important for your recovery. Your main focus should be on getting the rest you need.

Transportation and Supervision: For your safety post-sedation, it’s essential to arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home. Because the effects of sedation can linger, you’ll need someone to stay with you for at least 24 hours to provide support and assistance.
Rest and Activity: Plan to rest for the remainder of the day. It’s best to avoid any strenuous activities, bending, or heavy lifting for the period we have specified for you. Keeping your head elevated with pillows will also help reduce swelling.

Managing Your Comfort

It’s normal to experience some discomfort and swelling after a procedure, but our goal is to help you manage this effectively. We’ll provide you with a personalized plan for pain management.

To help reduce swelling, you can apply an ice pack to the outside of your cheek for 20 minutes at a time, with a 20-minute break in between. This is most effective during the first 24 to 48 hours. Your comfort is our priority, and we want to help you feel the best that you can during this time of recovery.

Diet and Oral Hygiene

Proper nutrition and gentle oral care are vital for your body’s healing process.

Eating and Drinking: We recommend starting with a soft diet and drinking plenty of fluids. Foods like smoothies, yogurt, and soup are great choices. Try to avoid anything hot, spicy, or crunchy that could irritate the surgical site. Please don’t use a straw, as the suction can disturb the healing process.
Oral Hygiene: Keeping your mouth clean is important to prevent infection. You can gently brush your teeth, but be sure to avoid the surgical area. We may give you a special mouth rinse or recommend rinsing gently with warm salt water after the first 24 hours.

When to Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns during the healing process, please feel free to reach out to our office.

While some bleeding and discomfort are a normal part of recovery, there are certain signs that require our attention. Give us a call if you experience any of the following:

Severe pain that is not managed by your prescribed medication
Bleeding that continues or worsens after 24 hours
Signs of infection, such as fever, chills, or increased swelling after a few days

If you need a follow-up visit, we’ll reach out and make sure it’s scheduled at the right time for you. Remember, following your post-op instructions and finishing any prescribed medicine gives you the best chance for a smooth recovery.

We’re here beside you every step of the way. Please reach out anytime you have questions or just need a little reassurance—we’re always happy to help.