Oral Surgery Post-Op Instructions

After your procedure, it is important to follow these instructions closely to ensure that you heal properly.

St Louis Sleep Dentistry

After your oral surgery procedure, avoid strenuous exercise or activity to reduce bleeding. Do not bite or chew numb areas of the tongue, cheeks, or lips.

FOR AT LEAST 24 HOURS:

  • No Smoking
  • No Alcohol
  • No chewing in the area
  • No spitting or sucking
  • No commercial mouthwashes (e.g. Listerine, Lavoris, etc.)
  • No rinsing in the mouth
  • No drinking hot liquids
  • No carbonated beverages

Bleeding

Maintain firm pressure on the gauze placed in your mouth for a ½ hour. Some oozing of blood may continue for a short time after the surgery. However, if there is more than just oozing, the following procedure can be used: With a clean gauze pad, gently wipe the blood from the wound. Place another clean, folded gauze pad on the bleeding area. Close your teeth tightly over this pad so there is light biting pressure against the bleeding area. Maintain the pressure for a ½ hour, and then repeat if necessary.

If extreme bleeding persists, call Dr. Michael Hoffmann or Dr. Victoria Behl at (314) 862-7844.

Rinsing the Mouth

The blood clot should be given time to form and should not be disturbed. Do NOT rinse your mouth the day of the surgery. The second day, after each meal and at bedtime, rinse your mouth with a ½ teaspoon of salt mixed in a glass of warm water (use plain warm water if you are on a low-salt diet). Hold the rinse in your mouth for three minutes over the healing area without swishing.

Swelling and Discomfort

An ice pack may be used to keep down swelling only during the first four hours after surgery. Some degree of pain and swelling is normal for 3-4 days. If you have been given a prescription, have it promptly filled and take as directed. Do NOT drive, operate machinery, or be anywhere you may get hurt after taking pain medications because they may make you sleepy. Pain should be greatly reduced within 36 hours.

Eating

Soft nutritious foods may be eaten without disturbing the clot. Drink large amounts of liquids (water, milk, juice, or iced tea).

Sutures

Any stitches will dissolve or be removed in 7 to 10 days.

Follow-Up Care

If you need follow-up care after your procedure, such as having stitches removed, call us to schedule your appointment at (314) 862-7844. Please call us immediately if you have any questions or concerns.

If you have an emergency after hours:

Emergency: Dr. Hoffmann (314) 560-2858

Emergency: Dr. Behl (314) 302-3200