DO NOT:
- Brush or floss the surgical site
- Eat on the surgical site
- Rinse or spit out for 24 hours
- Take aspirin or other blood thinners for 24 hours
- Drink through a straw for 24 hours
- Smoke or use smokeless tobacco
- Drive/operate machinery if taking narcotics
AVOID:
- Strenuous exercise for 4 days
- Spicy foods, seeds, hard bread
- Hot liquids for 2 days
DO:
- Apply ice on the outside of your mouth (15min on/15 min off)
- Use an extra pillow when sleeping and cover it with a towel the first night
- Take OTC Ibuprofen (i.e. Advil) every 6-8 hours for the next 3-4 days, If you cannot take Advil, use Extra Strength Tylenol
- Chew on the opposite side of the surgical site
- Eat softer foods, i.e., oatmeal, pasta, yogurt, eggs, soup, etc.
- TAKE ALL MEDICATIONS AS DIRECTED
BLEEDING: It is normal to have some bleeding in the first 24 hours, especially after eating or drinking. If excessive, moisten a regular tea bag with warm water, place in mouth by surgical site with firm finger pressure, or biting pressure for 15 minutes. Repeat as necessary. DO NOT RINSE OR SPIT OUT FOR THE NEXT 24 HOURS.
BRUSHING TEETH FIRST 24 HOURS : Use a smaller amount of toothpaste than usual. Have a glass of warm water and a wash cloth available. Floss and brush untreated teeth, DO NOT RINSE & SPIT, take a little water in your mouth and allow it to trickle or dribble out. Use the washcloth to cover your chin and neck.
STITCHES: Depending on the procedure, you may have stitches; Avoid brushing them, or getting food in them. Occasionally a stitch may fall out.
QUESTIONS: Please call the office (212) 371-5250