Post-Operative Instructions

Dentoalveolar Surgery with Intravenous Sedation

• You may eat and drink following the procedure.
  It is best to eat soft or pureed food for the first week or more, and if possible, to favour the other side of your mouth. Avoid hot food and drinks until the numbness in your mouth has worn off.
  
• You should not rinse your mouth out on the day of the operation.
  Starting the following day, you should gently bathe the surgical site(s) with the mouth rinse prescribed or with a glass of warm water containing half a teaspoon of table salt, for 1 minute at a time, 3 times a day for 2 weeks. You should clean your teeth normally but avoid the surgical site(s). Any stitches should dissolve in approximately 7-10 days.
• Your saliva may be blood-stained for the first day or so.
  If there is frank bleeding or bleeding is persistent, apply pressure to the wound by biting firmly on a clean damp rolled handkerchief or sterile gauze (not cotton wool) for at least 20 minutes by the clock. Rest in a sitting position and avoid spitting out. If bleeding continues contact your surgeon.
  
• Swelling of the face is common after oral surgery.
  It develops over the first 24-48 hours and will then gradually improve. Cold packs (e.g. ice cubes or frozen peas wrapped in a damp towel) applied to the face overlying the surgical site(s) during the first few hours, will help minimise the swelling. Bruising on the face may also appear and may take 1-2 weeks to fully resolve. You may also have limited mouth opening for a few days after your surgery.
  
• Pain-relief medications will be prescribed and will need to be collected from a pharmacy.
  Generally, Panadeine and an anti-inflammatory medicine are used, in combination, to good effect. Stronger pain-relief medications are sometimes required. Antibiotics will be prescribed, if necessary. It is important that your medications are taken as directed.
  
• CoePak Dressing (if applicable).

  This material protects the area and should not be disturbed. It will be hard within 2 hours. Small particles may chip off over time. This should not be a problem unless it causes discomfort. The dressing will be removed on your next appointment here or with your orthodontist. You will be advised if this applies to you. 

By following these instructions you will hasten your recovery and reduce complications.