Surgical Instructions from Green Dental & Orthodontics
After undergoing dental surgery, following the post-operative instructions provided by your dentist is crucial for a successful recovery and optimal oral health. These instructions are carefully designed to ensure proper healing, minimize discomfort, and prevent complications. Let’s explore the key reasons why following dental surgical instructions is of utmost importance.
Wound dressing
- Following surgery, keep the wound clean and dry.
- The dressing should be removed and wounds covered with adhesive bandages on the first or second day after surgery.
- Do not remove the paper strips or cut any of the visible sutures.
- Reapply the ace wrap, if applicable, for 5-7 days to control swelling.
- Wounds should be kept dry for 48 hours.
- Unless otherwise instructed, the 5th day after surgery the wound may be exposed in the shower, taking care not to scrub the area.
- The wound should not be submerged in a bathtub or pool until the sutures are removed.
Icing
- Use ice packs or cold compresses specifically designed for icing purposes.
- Start icing as soon as possible after the dental surgery, preferably within the first 24 hours.
- Apply ice to the surgical area for 15 to 20 minutes, with breaks of at least 10 minutes in between.
- Wrap the ice pack or compress in a clean cloth or towel before applying it to the skin to prevent direct contact and potential frostbite.
- Gently place the ice pack on the outside of the cheek or jaw, near the surgical site, to target the affected area.
- Avoid biting or applying pressure on the ice pack to prevent any additional discomfort or injury.
- Follow your dentist’s instructions regarding the frequency of icing sessions. Typically, it is recommended to ice the area several times a day.
- If you experience excessive pain or discomfort while icing, discontinue the session and consult your dentist for further guidance.
- Combine icing with any prescribed pain medication or anti-inflammatory drugs for enhanced relief.
- Maintain proper oral hygiene practices, but avoid rinsing your mouth vigorously or using mouthwash immediately after icing to allow the benefits of icing to take effect.
Mobility
- Follow weight bearing instructions you were given at discharge.
- Crutches or a cane may be necessary to assist walking.
- Elevate the operated limb elevation for the first 72 hours to minimize swelling.
Post-surgery
- The anesthetic drugs used during your surgery may cause nausea for the first 24 hours.
- If nausea occurs, drink only clear liquids (i.e., Sprite or 7-up).
- The only solid food that should be eaten is dry crackers or toast.
- If nausea and vomiting become severe or the patient shows sign of dehydration (lack of urination) please call the doctor or the surgery center.
- A low-grade fever (100.5) is not uncommon in the first 24 hours, but is unusual beyond.
- Please call the doctor with any temperature over 101.0 degrees.
- If a spinal anesthetic was used, patients may suffer a spinal headache. Please call the surgery center should this occur and does not relieve the pain with ibuprofen or your pain medication.
- You may take a baby aspirin (81 mg) daily until the sutures are removed in the office, as this may lower the risk of a blood clot developing after surgery.
- Should severe pain in the affected limb or significant swelling of the joint occur, please call the doctor.
Pain medication
- Local anesthetics are put into the incision after surgery to manage the pain.
- It is common for patients to encounter more pain on the 1st or 2nd day after surgery. Because this is the time when swelling peaks.
- Taking pain medication before bedtime will assist in sleeping.
- It is advised to avoid alcoholic beverages while taking narcotic medication. The same applies to driving also.
- If you were prescribed narcotic medication (i.e., vicodin, hydrocodone, darvocet) you can supplement those medications with 200 mg or 400 mg of ibuprofen every 4-6 hours.
- You should resume your normal medications for other conditions the day after surgery.
Activities
- Most patients are able to drive if surgery does not involve their right leg as soon as they stop taking narcotic pain medication.
- Driving while under the influence of narcotic pain medication is dangerous, illegal and greatly discouraged.
- Returning to school or work also depends on the degree of postoperative pain and the demands of your job or classes.
Follow-up
- See your dentist in 7-10 days after surgery because they will need to re-examine you.If unexpected problems, emergencies or other issues occur and you need to talk to the doctor, call the cartilage center’s administrative assistant. After hours our answering service will route your call to a physician who will be able to advise you concerning your problem.