Modern day surgical techniques ensure patients the minimal amount of discomfort and inconvenience. While most surgery recovery periods are un-eventful because of these advances, there can be times when some complications arise. The following are instructions on how best to cope with these should they occur.
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Proper nutrition and hydration are essential to reducing the healing time. You will be following a soft diet for the week following surgery. Eggs, fish, pasta, soups, yogurts etc. are all acceptable. Anything that you do not have to bite into or chew vigorously.
Dr. Baldan may prescribe pain medications and antibiotics if required. Should antibiotics be prescribed it is essential that you complete the course of antibiotics to ensure proper healing. If medication is prescribed, please use it as directed. In the event of nausea, any allergic reaction or any unusual symptoms, contact our office immediately.
We ask that you not exercise for 48 hours after surgery. The day of surgery you should not return to work or do any strenuous activity. This can cause discomfort and bleeding.
Surgery that is performed on teeth often require the application of an oral bandage that fits around the teeth of the area affected. This remains in place until we see you at your follow up appointment (usually 5 – 7 days later). If any part of the bandage comes off in between visits, don’t worry, this is to be expected and should be of no concern.
Sutures are usually used to help keep tissue in place. Non-dissolvable sutures are used in most cases but dissolvable sutures can be used in certain circumstances.
The area affected by surgery will likely be tender and sore for several days following the appointment.
Do not brush the area where the surgical bandage is in place. You can brush and floss the rest of your mouth as you normally do. You will be given an antiseptic rinse to use for the affected area. The rinse should be used as a soak not a rinse. Mix 1 capful of the rinse with 1 capful of water and let it soak in the area for 1 minute then spit it out. We ask that you soak the area twice per day.
You will receive further instructions at your next visit. Keeping the area clean will increase healing and decrease the chance of discomfort.
You can experience some swelling following your surgery. Ice packs placed around the affected areas (externally) will help reduce the swelling. Try placing the cold compress on 10 minutes and off 10 minutes on the first day. This will help to reduce the swelling and help the healing process. Bruising is also possible after surgery. It is not normally a cause for concern and will resolve by itself in a few days.