Your care guide
Post-operative instructions
Please follow these instructions carefully to promote proper healing and a comfortable recovery. Sending our warmest wishes for a gentle and smooth recovery.
Bleeding
For the first 2–3 hours, bite firmly on the gauze and change it approximately every 45 minutes, or as directed.
When removing the gauze:
- White or pink areas visible: Active bleeding has likely stopped. Additional gauze is usually not necessary.
- Completely saturated with bright red blood: Continue applying firm pressure with fresh gauze.
Mild oozing or blood-tinged saliva for the first 1–2 days is normal and is not considered active bleeding.
If bleeding continues, moisten a tea bag, place it directly over the surgical site, and bite down firmly. If heavy bleeding persists despite continuous pressure, contact our office.
For the first 12 hours, DO NOT rinse, spit, or use a straw. These actions may dislodge the blood clot and restart bleeding. If bleeding restarts, place fresh gauze over the area and apply firm pressure.
You may gently brush your teeth beginning the day after surgery, avoiding the surgical site and forceful rinsing or spitting.
Swelling
Swelling is normal and typically peaks 48–72 hours after surgery before gradually improving. For the first 24 hours, apply an ice pack to the outside of your face:
20 minutes ON 20 minutes OFF
Repeat as much as possible during the first day.
Diet
Begin with soft foods that require little or no chewing, such as yogurt, pudding, mashed potatoes, applesauce, ice cream, soup, and shakes.
As tolerated, you may progress to foods such as pasta or scrambled eggs, followed by slightly firmer foods over the next few days.
Important: Avoid chewing while your lips, cheeks, or tongue are numb to prevent accidental injury. Children should not chew until all numbness has completely worn off.
Sutures (stitches)
Unless otherwise instructed, your stitches are dissolvable and do not need to be removed. Most dissolve within several days to approximately one week. Sutures placed for bone graft procedures may remain for 3–4 weeks.
As they dissolve, you may notice a loose string. This is normal, and the suture may dissolve, fall out, or be swallowed without you noticing.
Medications
Take all medications exactly as prescribed on the bottle.
Antibiotics
If prescribed an antibiotic, take it as directed and complete the prescribed course unless instructed otherwise. Common antibiotics include Amoxicillin, Augmentin (amoxicillin plus clavulanate), Clindamycin, Azithromycin, and Doxycycline.
If you develop an adverse reaction, stop the medication and contact our office. Seek immediate medical attention for difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Antibiotic mouthwash
If prescribed Peridex (chlorhexidine), rinse twice daily: once in the morning and once at night.
Prescription pain medication
Additional pain medication, such as an oxycodone-containing medication or Tylenol with codeine, may be prescribed depending on your procedure.
Take these medications ONLY AS NEEDED and exactly as prescribed.
They may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or impaired judgment. Do not drive, operate machinery, or combine them with alcohol or other sedating medications unless instructed by your doctor.
Anti-swelling medication
If prescribed Decadron (dexamethasone) for swelling, take it exactly as directed.
Pain management
For patients who can safely take both medications, we recommend ibuprofen and acetaminophen (Tylenol) as first-line pain control.
For the first 48 hours:
- Ibuprofen 600 mg every 6 hours
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 1,000 mg every 6 hours
For more consistent pain relief, stagger them by 3 hours:
Do not take ibuprofen if you have been advised to avoid NSAIDs. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose of either medication.
Extraction sites & healing
Extraction sites generally take 4–6 weeks to fully close. After the first week, you may notice a small opening where the tooth was removed. This is normal and will gradually become smaller as the area heals.
Keep the site clean by gently rinsing with warm saltwater, especially after eating.
Exercise & physical activity
Avoid strenuous activity for one week after surgery, as it may increase bleeding, swelling, and discomfort. Avoid:
- Running or jogging
- Strenuous workouts or gym activity
- Lifting more than 15 pounds
- Vigorous sports or physical activity
Light daily activity is generally fine. After one week, gradually return to your normal routine unless instructed otherwise.
Dental implants
Avoid chewing directly on the implant site during the initial healing period. Whenever possible, chew on the opposite side.
Beginning the day after surgery, gently brush around the implant site without disturbing the sutures or surgical area.
Keep the area clean with gentle warm saltwater rinses or Peridex (chlorhexidine), if prescribed.
If you have any further questions feel free to contact us at (973) 315-5051 or office@edenoralsurgery.com