Post-Operative Instructions

Post Operative Surgical Instructions     |     Post-Operative Medication Instructions

Post Operative Surgical Instructions

Pain Medication

The local anesthesia may last up to eight hours. Avoid drinking or eating hot food while under the effect of the anesthesia as you may burn yourself and not notice until the anesthesia wears off. Take the pain medication before the anesthesia wears off. Take your pain medication as directed and necessary for pain. Do NOT operate any vehicles or heavy machinery while under the effect of the pain medication. Do NOT drink alcohol while taking the pain medication.

Bleeding

Continuously keep pressure on the gauze for at least one hour. Following the operation blood oozing from the wound may be expected for up to 36 hours and you may encounter blood-tinted saliva.  If blood oozes from the wound when you are home and lie down, place a small moistened gauze pad (about the size of a tea bag) or moistened teabag directly over the socket and continuously apply pressure on the gauze for 30 minutes. If bleeding is persistent, please return immediately to the office or call (407) 489-9031 (Dr. Beltran’s cellular phone) if after 5 pm or on the weekend. Forceful spitting and excessive physical activity may increase and prolong bleeding as does bending over and picking up objects. A semi-reclining position and rest for the first few hours is recommended.

Do not disturb the blood clot

The blood clot is grayish-yellowish-brown and may produce a slight odor. This is not an infection. Do not probe the blood clot with fingers, tooth picks, tongue or other matter that may cause the blood clot to dislodge, thereby exposing the bone and causing a “dry socket” or alveolitis. Also, refrain from SMOKING, spitting or sucking through a straw.

Swelling  

The pain and swelling increase up to the third day and then decrease. If there is worsening swelling, pain, redness, or difficulty swallowing or breathing the third day after the surgery, return to the office or call (407) 489-9031 (Dr. Beltran’s cellular phone) if after 5 pm or on the weekend.

Diet  

It is important to maintain a good diet. A cold liquid or soft diet (i.e. milk shakes, ice cream, yogurt) is recommended after the surgery. Drink plenty of fluids (6 to 8 glasses per day), but please remember not to use straws or burn yourself as mentioned above.

Brushing your teeth and mouth rinsing  

Do not rinse mouth for 24 hours after the surgery. On the second day, you may gently rinse the mouth with a warm salt water solution (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) or chlorhexidine mouthwash three times a day or after every meal. Do not rinse with commercial mouth rinses. If bleeding continues, stop rinsing and refer to bleeding section above. After 24 hours, you may gently brush the teeth which are not close to the area of surgery.

Bone Fragments

During the healing process of the jaw bones, small sharp fragments of bone may loosen and work through the gums. They may persist for about two weeks. These fragments are not roots. If they are disturbing and/or painful, please return to the office or call (407) 489-9031 (Dr. Beltran’s cellular phone) if after 5 pm or on the weekend for further instructions.

Sutures (stitches)

Most of the sutures placed are resorbable and will fall by themselves within a couple of days. If they are permanent or last more than two weeks please return to the office for follow-up and removal of these sutures.

Follow-up

Please return to the office for any further procedures or for post-operative follow-up as instructed.

Questions or unusual complications

Please do not hesitate to return to the office, call the office, or call (407) 489-9031 (Dr. Beltran’s cellular phone) if after 5 pm or on the weekends with any concerns or questions.

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Post-Operative Medication Instructions

It is essential that all medications are taken exactly as instructed in order to maximize their effectiveness and promote an uneventful post operative recovery. 

Ibuprofen 800mg (same as Motrin):

  • Medication for pain and swelling.
  • Take 1 tablet every 6 hours. This will relieve most if not all of the pain AND will help decrease swelling. 
  • Will NOT cause drowsiness or nausea. 

Vicodin / Percocet:  

  • Medication for pain only.
  • Take 1-2 tablets every 6 hours.
  • ONLY take when the Ibuprofen is not enough to control all of the pain. 
  • Can be taken IN ADDITION to the Ibuprofen. 
  • Can cause drowsiness and nausea. For this reason the patient should avoid taking this medication on an empty stomach.

Amoxicillin 500mg:

  • Antibiotic
  • Take three times a day - morning, afternoon, and night. 
  • Should be taken until completely finished
  • IF NOT TAKEN 3 TIMES A DAY, ANTIBIOTIC WILL NOT BE EFFECTIVE.

Clindamycin 300mg:

  • Antibiotic
  • Take four times a day - Early morning, early afternoon, late afternoon, and night. 
  • Should be taken until completely finished
  • IF NOT TAKEN 4 TIMES A DAY, ANTIBIOTIC WILL NOT BE EFFECTIVE.

Peridex :

  • Antibacterial Rinse
  • After brushing teeth, swish with rinse for about 20-30 seconds and spit. 
  • Should start the rinses 24 hours AFTER the oral surgical procedure.  
  • Do rinses twice a day - morning and night. 
  • Do NOT use rinse for more than 2 weeks as it will cause staining of the teeth.  

Please call Dr. Beltran at 407-489-9031 with any questions/concerns with regards to any of the medications. 

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