Instructions For Surgical Care
Post-Operative Instructions
- It is normal for blood to seep from the surgical site for several hours after the operation. Change out the gauze we have provided for you every hour through out the completion of the day. You may wet the gauze and fold it in half lengthwise a couple of times to fit in the area of the sutures. By the evening, you can discontinue the use of the gauze.
- The sutures will dissolve on their own within seven to ten days. If they do not, please feel free to return to our office and we can remove them for you.
- Commercial mouth rinses may stimulate bleeding and should not be used during the healing process. You may use the prescribed mouth rinse. If bleeding continues or becomes profuse, you may use a warm salt water rinse consisting of teaspoon of table salt, and cup of warm water.
- It is normal for the surgical area to swell following an operation. Such swelling may last from a few hours to a few days. Following surgery an ice pack can be applied to the swollen area at ten minute intervals for the first six to eight hours.
- It is normal to experience some pain following surgery. The first day will be tolerable. It is common for the second day to feel worse then on the surgical day. By the third and fourth day you should feel significant healing occurring. Using the ice pack, take 2 Advil or Ibuprofen every three to four hours. Along with this sheet, we will provide you with prescription instructions. Please follow those instructions to maximize your healing and pain control.
- Careful tooth brushing is desirable and promotes healing. You may brush the teeth that are located near the surgical site. Do not use the bristles of the toothbrush to contact the gums while they are healing. Also, be careful of certain foods during the healing process. You do not want to dislodge the gums or sutures following your surgery.
- For the first night try to sleep with your head elevated above your heart. This may decrease any swelling that could occur.
- It is normal to experience a loss off appetite following the surgery. The teeth may be tender and certain foods may be difficult to chew; however nourishment must be provided to ensure healing. A high protein diet as well as a multi-vitamin taken during the first week will aid in tissue repair. Nourishing foods that require little or no chewing include: liquid protein supplements, soups, malted milk, eggs, cereals, fruit salads and ground beef.
- Post-operative infection is unusual but possible. Signs of infection may be increased pain, increased swelling or tenderness, elevated body temperature, chill and other flu-like symptoms. An objectionable odor and taste may also be experienced. When these conditions exist, begin rinsing with a very hot salt water rinse and call the doctor’s office or home.
If you have any questions or concerns following your surgery, please do not hesitate to call our office at Great Falls Endodontics Phone Number 406-452-8180.