Lester M. Lubitz,
D.D.S.
On-Line Forms
1. If gauze is present, remove when you get home.
2. Do not smoke for as long as possible, at least for 48 hours.
3. BLEEDING - You can expect some minor bleeding for the remainder of the day. If there is excessive bleeding, rinse your mouth gently with warm water, If there are large hanging clots in the mouth, these should be removed, Roll several squares of dry qauze into a tight wad. Place this over the surgical area and apply pressure. Replace this gauze when it becomes moist. continuous, firm, dry pressure over 20-30 minutes should control most bleeding. Remain quiet and calm. spitting, hacking and coughing will increase bleeding. Elevate head upon retiring.
4. DRY LIPS - Use Vaseline or any ointment three times daily if necessary.
5. PAIN - Take tablets as directed. Most pain medicine is better tolerated if taken with food in the stomach. As soon as possible, try to control the pain with an over the counter medication (Tylenol, Aspirin, etc.). Theses are less likely to cause nausea. The pain should decrease after 24-48 hours. If it does not improve, or is getting worse, please call us.
6. FOOD - If you have had a general anesthesia, try a clear liquid first (Sprite, ice water). If there is no nausea, proceed to a full liquid (Coke, juice, etc.). After this, if there is no nausea advance to soft foods (soup, pudding, jello, etc.). If you continue to have nausea, go back to clear liquids until the nausea ends. You will probably be eating soft foods for the next several days, but you may eat any food that you can tolerate. Very hot, cold, spicy or hard foods may be difficult to eat for the first few days. If you have had a local anesthetic you may eat soft foods first. do not drink through a straw for 24 hours.
7. SWELLING - Swelling after surgery is common. It can take 72 hours (3 days) to reach its peak. After this period, the swelling should decrease. Using ice will help reduce the swelling. Wrap ice in a towel or place in a plastic bag. Place this over the cheek for 20 minutes and remove for 20 minutes. This can be done for the first 12-24 hours. Keep your head elevated for the first 24 hours.
8. RINSING - Do not rinse for the first 24 hours. After that, rinsing with either mouthwash, salt water (one teaspoon table salt in a large glass of water) or simply clear, lukewarm tap water is helpful. This should be done 6-10 times per day. Gentle tooth brushing is also advised.
9. SUTURES - Dissolvable sutures have been placed. these will typically fall out in 7-10 days. If they come out sooner, this is generally not a problem.
10. If you are having problems, follow the appropriate instructions. If the problems persist, call the office. If it is after hours call the office number and the answering service will get n touch with one of the doctors.