After Minor Oral Surgery

Bite on gauze for 30 minutes.

• Do not rinse your mouth or spit, since that may cause or increase bleeding. On the first night, we recommend that you use the prescribed mouthwash, taking a sip and letting it sit in your mouth.
• Do not drink through a straw, because the suction may dislodge the blood clot, which promotes healing.
• Do not eat before the anesthesia has worn off (you must chew using the other side of your mouth).
• Do not smoke or consume alcoholic beverages.
• Do not eat hard foods or drink hot liquids (choose cold, soft foods instead).
• Do not brush teeth near the surgical site until your sutures (stitches) have been removed.
• Do not engage in strenuous physical activity—you need to rest!

• To control pain (which is normal during the first 24 to 72 hours), take Tylenol, Advil, Motrin or the prescribed medications. Avoid Aspirin.
• To reduce swelling, apply an ice pack to the affected side of your face when you arrive at home, alternating 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off, for the first four to six hours after the surgery.
• If bleeding occurs, place gauze or a slightly moistened teabag on the painful area and bite for 20 minutes

• Some swelling is normal and may last a few days.
• Bruises may appear on your face, but they will disappear on their own five to seven days after the surgery.
• You may have trouble opening your mouth, but the problem should subside within four or five days.
• To promote healing, rinse your mouth with salt water—1 tsp. (5 mL) of salt in 1 cup (250 mL) of warm water—two to four times daily for the first week after the surgery.
• If pain is intensifying instead of subsiding after three days, please contact us.

For more information, please phone the clinic at (514) 376-4911.