Oral Surgery: Post-Operative Care

It is important to take care of your surgery site. Please follow these instructions:

1. Bite on gauze for 30 minutes to control bleeding. If bleeding continues, place another piece of gauze and continue to apply pressure. There will be spotty bleeding for 1-2 days after surgery. If bleeding is excessive (dark red liquid continuously coming out of the surgery site), call the office or your doctor to address your needs. If for any reason you cannot reach us, go to your local emergency room.
2. For at least 24 hours do not: smoke, consume alcohol, or if you had upper jaw surgery, avoid blowing your nose.  Any of these things may cause the blood clot over the surgery site to dislodge from the “socket” causing a “dry socket” and will result in pain.
3. Wisdom teeth removal: If you have been prescribed pain medication and Ibuprofen, YOU MUST TAKE BOTH MEDICATIONS.  These medications do different things, and they work well together.  Start a time regimen from the first time you take your first dosage.   
4. The normal “Peak of swelling” is on the third post-operative day. Patients should start feeling better after 3-4 days.  Remember to RUB AND MASSAGE THE SITES FROM THE OUTSIDE.  This helps bring blood flow to the area which helps with healing.
5. Do maintain a regular diet that is tolerable. If you’re a diabetic patient, avoid sugary foods to aid healing. Avoid foods like; chips, popcorn, and nuts as they may be difficult to dislodge.
6. If you experience pain, discomfort, difficulty opening your mouth or your bleeding continues or worsens after 3 days, call the office for a reexamination. (you can also try moistening a black tea teabag, wring out, fold in half, and place over extraction site, gently apply pressure.  The tannic acid in the tea helps with bleeding.)
7. If you were given medications, take them according to the instructions. If it is safe for you to take Ibuprofen, you may be prescribed Ibuprofen to keep swelling down in addition to a pain reliever.
8. After 24 hours, start gently rinsing your mouth with saltwater after meals for a few days.
9. Day 1 of surgery, ice should be applied.  Day 2, 3, 4…apply warm, moist heat

Are You Ready to Take Care of Your Smile?

We are currently accepting new patients and would love to help you take your smile to the next level. To make an appointment,  call us at (813) 355-8878.

Click here to download our Post-Operative Home Care Instructions.

Please call the office with questions: 
Valrico (813)452-6380
Land O’ Lakes (813)528-8999

South Tampa (813) 355-8878.
After hour issues: 
Dr. Edwards  mobile: (813) 362-1928