Following your procedure, our team will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. The instructions may vary depending on the type of surgery performed, but here are some general guidelines:
Wisdom Tooth Removal Aftercare
Day of Surgery:
Rest: Rest for the remainder of the day. Avoid rigorous physical activity and any strenuous exercises for 5-7 days as the sockets may bleed.
Bleeding: Bite gently on the gauze placed over the extraction site for 30 minutes to control bleeding. Change the gauze as needed. A small amount of bleeding or oozing is normal in the first few hours.
Pain Management: Take prescribed pain medications or over-the-counter pain relievers as directed. It’s best to take your medication before the numbness wears off to prevent pain.
Ice Packs: Apply ice packs to your face for 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off during the first 24 hours to reduce swelling.
First 24-48 Hours:
Diet: Stick to a soft-food diet (e.g., mashed potatoes, yogurt, soup) and avoid hot or spicy foods. Do not use straws, as the suction can dislodge the blood clot.
Swelling and Discomfort: Swelling is common and may peak at 48-72 hours. Use ice packs and take your medications as instructed. Some discomfort is normal and should subside in a few days.
Oral Hygiene: Do not brush near the surgical site for the first 24 hours. After that, you can gently brush your teeth, avoiding the extraction site. Rinse with warm saltwater (1/2 teaspoon salt in a glass of warm water) 24 hours after surgery to help keep the area clean.
Ongoing Care:
Avoid Smoking: Refrain from smoking for at least 72 hours to promote healing and avoid dry socket.
Follow-Up Appointment: A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to ensure proper healing.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Immediately After Extraction:
Control Bleeding: Bite down gently on the gauze to stop bleeding. Change the gauze as needed, and apply more pressure if necessary.
Pain Control: Follow the prescribed pain medication instructions. Take pain relievers before the numbness wears off to prevent pain.
Ice Packs: Apply ice packs to the outside of your mouth for 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling.
First 48 Hours:
Diet: Eat soft, cool foods and avoid chewing directly on the extraction site. Avoid hot liquids and spicy foods.
Rest: Limit physical activity to avoid unnecessary strain on your healing site.
Oral Hygiene: Gently rinse with warm salt water after 24 hours to keep the extraction site clean. Avoid brushing the extraction area for the first 24 hours.
After 3-4 Days:
Brushing: Begin gently brushing your teeth, avoiding the extraction site. Continue rinsing with saltwater or antiseptic mouthwash.
Avoid Smoking: Do not smoke for at least 72 hours to reduce the risk of infection and complications like dry socket.
Follow-Up: Your oral surgeon will schedule a follow-up appointment to check your healing process.
Orthodontic Exposure Aftercare
First Few Hours:
Control Bleeding: Mild bleeding may occur after the procedure. Bite gently on gauze pads to control it. If bleeding persists, contact our office.
Pain Management: Take prescribed pain medications or over-the-counter pain relievers as needed. It’s important to manage pain before it worsens.
Ice Packs: Apply ice packs to your face for 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off during the first 24 hours to reduce swelling.
First 48 Hours:
Diet: Stick to a soft-food diet and avoid chewing on the surgical site. Avoid hot or spicy foods that could irritate the area.
Swelling and Discomfort: Swelling and mild discomfort are common after surgery. These should gradually improve within a few days.
Oral Hygiene: Avoid brushing near the surgical site for the first 24 hours. Afterward, brush gently, avoiding the exposed tooth, and rinse with warm salt water.
Ongoing Care:
Follow-Up: The orthodontist will guide you in adjusting your braces or appliances to move the exposed tooth into place.
Avoid Smoking: Refrain from smoking for at least 72 hours to encourage healing and avoid complications.
Dental Implant Placement Aftercare
Day of Surgery:
Rest: Rest and avoid physical activity for the first 24 hours to help your body heal.
Bleeding: Minor bleeding or oozing may occur. Bite gently on gauze to control it and change as necessary.
Pain Management: Take prescribed pain medications as directed. If over-the-counter pain relievers are recommended, take them before the numbing wears off to stay comfortable.
First 2 Days:
Diet: Stick to a soft-food diet and avoid chewing on the implant site. Do not eat hot, spicy, or crunchy foods that may irritate the area.
Ice Packs: Apply ice packs for 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off for the first 24-48 hours to reduce swelling.
Swelling: Some swelling and bruising are normal and should subside after 2-3 days.
Oral Hygiene:
Brush Carefully: After the first 24 hours, gently brush your teeth but avoid the surgical site. You can use an antiseptic mouthwash (peridex is normally prescribed) to gently rinse.
Avoid Smoking: Do not smoke for at least 72 hours to prevent complications like infection or delayed healing.
Long-Term Care:
Avoid Chewing on the Implant Site: Avoid placing pressure on the surgical site until your surgeon confirms that initial healing phase is complete.
Follow-Up Appointments:A follow-up appointment is essential to ensure proper healing and to begin placing the final crown or prosthetic.
Soft Tissue Biopsy Aftercare
Immediately After the Procedure:
Control Bleeding: Mild bleeding is normal after a biopsy. Bite gently on gauze to control any bleeding. Change gauze as necessary.
Pain Management: Take pain medications as prescribed to manage any discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers may also help.
Cool Liquids: Stay well hydrated
First 48 Hours:
Diet: Stick to soft foods and avoid chewing directly on the biopsy site. Avoid acidic or spicy foods that may irritate the area.
Swelling and Discomfort: Swelling and discomfort are normal but should improve within a few days. Apply ice packs to reduce swelling.
Oral Hygiene: Do not brush near the biopsy site for the first 24 hours. After that, you can gently brush your teeth, avoiding the surgical site. Rinse with warm salt water starting 24 hours after the biopsy.
Ongoing Care:
Avoid Smoking: Refrain from smoking for at least 72 hours to promote healing and reduce the risk of infection.
Follow-Up: You’ll need to schedule a follow-up appointment to review the biopsy results and check your healing progress.
General Aftercare Tips for All Procedures
Avoid Strenuous Activity: Refrain from physical exertion for a few days following surgery.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid using straws.
Rest: Adequate rest is essential to allow your body to heal properly.
Signs of Infection: Contact our office if you experience increased pain, swelling, fever, or unusual discharge from the surgical site, as these could be signs of infection.
Have Questions? Reach Out to Us!
Following these aftercare instructions is crucial for your recovery process. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact Elevate Oral Surgery in Roselle Park, NJ. Our team is here to ensure you recover quickly and comfortably. Contact us at (908) 241 0100 or info@elevatedsurgery.com for further assistance or to schedule a follow-up appointment.