• Bleeding
  • Some spotting or light bleeding is normal and should resolve by the third day.
  • If there is moderate to significant bleeding, place a wet gauze pad over the area and apply firm pressure for 30 minutes.
  • If bleeding persists, use a wet black tea bag(e.g. Lipton) on the surgical site and apply pressure for another 30 minutes. Repeat as needed.
• Surgical site care
  • Do not rinse or spit, and do not drink through a straw for 24 hours after surgery.
  • Keep your fingers and tongue away from the surgical area.
  • Avoid lifting your lips to look at the site.
  • Brush and floss your teeth as you normally do, but avoid the surgical site.
• Medications
  • Please take antibiotic as indicated.
  • Use Peridex starting the day after surgery, twice daily (2x/day). After using it, do not eat or rinse for at least 30 minutes.
• Swelling & pain management
  • Swelling is expected—especially in the morning and on the third day after surgery.
  • Apply an ice pack for the first 2 days: 20 minutes on, 10 minutes off. (Bags of frozen peas work well.)
  • For pain, alternate between 800 mg of Ibuprofen and 1000 mg of Acetaminophen every 6 hours.
  • If the jaw muscles become stiff, use warm, moist heat on the outside of your face. Do this only after 48 hours have passed.
• Diet
  • For the first week, eat soft, gentle foods that are not salty, spicy, or sour.
    • Examples: protein drinks, yogurt, Gatorade, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes.
    • Avoid seeds, nuts, chips, and popcorn.
    • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • After meals, GENTLY swish your mouth with clean water to flush out any debris.
  • Avoid direct irrigation of the site (e.g. with a syringe) for the first 3 days.
• Rest & positioning
  • Place a towel on your pillow when you sleep tonight.
  • Use an extra pillow to keep your head elevated.
• Smoking and alcohol
  • Do not smoke for at least 2 weeks after surgery, as it will negatively affect healing.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol for at least 1 week. Do not mix with antibiotic.
• Sinus precautions (if applicable)
  • If you had a sinus elevation surgery, avoid sneezing.

Post-operative symptoms(if any) are most pronounced for the first 3 days after surgery

• Pain: alternate between 800 mg of Ibuprofen and 1000 mg of Acetaminophen every 6 hours.
• Swelling: Most significant in the morning and on the third day after the surgery. Please apply ice for the first 2 days on and off. Please keep your head elevated when sleeping.
• Bruising: On the outside of the mouth. Arnica ointment can be used and purchased OTC, and it has been known to minimize bruising.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.