Pre-Operative Instructions

If you are prescribed pain meds, please make sure to take them as prescribed. Also remember to keep strenuous activities to a minimum and use ice packs on your face to prevent swelling. Pain and swelling are to be expected in the aftermath of surgery. Over-the-counter meds such as Tylenol or Advil can also help.

If you have excessive bleeding that won’t stop hours after surgery ends, please call our office immediately to let us know. We can provide you with further instructions. Small amounts of blood should be expected. Also, if the dressing that acts as a bandage to protect the surgical site comes off, call our office for advice.

You should pay close attention to your diet in the immediate aftermath of surgery. You need to avoid anything that might irritate your wound, so make sure not to use straws or eat anything hard or hot. These are good ways to dislodge your blood clot and cause more bleeding. Also, avoid chewing on the side where surgery took place.

In the aftermath of surgery, make sure to avoid smoking, alcohol, mouthwash, and brushing. You can begin to resume normal activities after 24 hours.

Feel free to contact Southeastern Dental Specialists with any questions or concerns, especially if they involve pain or swelling.