Bleeding: Normal oozing may occur for up to 24 hours or more following surgery. To help stop the bleeding, fold a gauze square tightly, moisten it with water, and place it over the area of bleeding. Close your mouth on the gauze and apply firm pressure. If bleeding is heavy, call the office and contact the doctor on call.

Swelling: Swelling and sometimes bruising is common after surgery. The maximum swelling, pain and jaw stiffness normally occurs 2 to 3 days after surgery. Signs of swelling or bruising could take 1 to 2 weeks to completely subside. To reduce swelling, apply ice packs 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off until bedtime the day of surgery. Keep your head elevated until bedtime. Moist heat after 36 hours may help jaw soreness.

Pain: The greatest amount of discomfort is in the first 6-8 hours after surgery. Take your pain medication immediately after you fill your subscription. Unless otherwise instructed by your dentist or pharmacist, do not take your medication on an empty stomach. If a dull pain from the area of surgery increases on the 3rd or 4th day contact our office.

Mouthcare: DO NOT SMOKE FOR AT LEAST 24 HOURS AFTER SURGERY. DO NOT USE A STRAW! Avoid rinsing your mouth the day of surgery. If you brush, be very gentle and avoid the surgical area. DO NOT SPIT! Rinsing and spitting within 24 hours of surgery may dislodge the blood clots that have formed in the extraction sites, and may cause excessive bleeding, pain, and delayed healing. Beginning the day after surgery, rinse with a glass of warm water containing 1 teaspoon of salt 5 times a day (after meals and before bedtime).

Infection:  If swelling and discomfort worsens several days after surgery along with foul taste, fever and difficulty swallowing, contact us immediately.