Smith, Gray and Morris

Physician's Exchange (859) 255-3636

Post Operative Instructions

Oral Surgery    |    Maxillofacial Surgery   |  Common Problems

Instructions for alternating medicines:

For pain control, you will be prescribed an anti-inflammatory and pain medication.  These should be taken in an alternating method.

  • After you leave here, take a Motrin ( or other anti-inflammatory medication)
  • 3 hours later, take one of the narcotic pills if you are staying at home or 2 Extra Strength Tylenol if you are working.
  • 3 hours after the narcotic, take another Motrin
  • Continue as needed

The type of pain medication you require will dictate your activity level.  If you need the narcotic for pain control, then you should refrain from working, driving, studying, etc.

You may resume normal activities once Tylenol and Motrin (or another anti-inflammatory)  are all that is required for pain relief.
POST -OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS  FOR ORAL SURGERY
GENERAL
1. Hold firm pressure on the gauze in your mouth to control bleeding. Change gauze every 15 to 20 minutes until bleeding stops.

2. Place an ice pack on the face over the surgery areas for 24 to 48 hours.  If you use an ice pack, it is to be applied on for 10 minutes, then off for 10 minutes for several hours, rotating every 10 minutes. This will minimize swelling.

3. Begin your pain medication as soon as possible. It is more effective if taken before the local anesthetic wears off.
    See instructions for alternating medicines (above).

4. It is important that you continue to receive liquid nourishment. It is usually more comfortable to limit the diet to soft foods during the first 12 to 24 hours. Resume regular diet as soon as it is comfortable. Light food prior to medication may decrease nausea.

5. Do not use straws during the first 48 hours.

6. Care of the remaining teeth should be maintained during the post-operative period, being careful of the surgical area. Care of the surgical area should be started the day after surgery and should consist of rinsing with a mild solution of warm salt water.

7. You should rest 24 to 48 hours following surgery. The head and shoulders should be kept elevated on two to three pillows.

8. Apply a thin coat of Vaseline to your lips every 3 to 4 hours while you are awake during the first few days after your surgery.

9. Studies show that patients who smoke may have up to four times more pain.

10. If you are having a problem, please call the doctor that treated you. If he/she is not available, call one of the other doctors. During office hours call the doctor that treated you.  After office hours, you can call the Physician's Exchange (859) 255-3636 and they will put you in contact with either the doctor who treated you or the doctor on call.
POST -OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS  FOR MAXILLOFACIAL  SURGERY
GENERAL
1. Hold firm pressure with gauze to the affected area to control bleeding. Change gauze every 15 to 20 minutes until bleeding stops.

2.  You may need to place an ice pack on the face over the surgery area for the next several hours.  If you use an ice pack, it is to be applied on for 10 minutes, then off for 10 minutes for several hours, rotating every 10 minutes.

3. Begin your pain medication as soon as possible. It is more effective if taken before the local anesthetic wears off.
    See instructions for alternating medicines (above).

4. If our surgery was inside your mouth, you will need to refrain from acid or spicy foods.  Adjust your diet as required.

5.  Care of the surgical site is on an individual basis, so see your nurse for specific details about your surgery.  You will be instructed about the care of the surgical site before you leave the office.

6.  In general, keep the surgical area clean and dry.

7.  10. If you are having a problem, please call the doctor that treated you. If he/she is not available, call one of the other doctors. During office hours call the doctor that treated you.  After office hours, you can call the Physician's Exchange (859) 255-3636 and they will put you in contact with either the doctor who treated you or the doctor on call.

COMMON PROBLEMS

Pain and swelling may be worse on the 3rd day post-op.
PAIN: The severity of post-operative pain will depend on the surgical procedure and the individual patient. Discomfort is to be expected following surgery, especially when the local anesthetic has worn off. The prescription you have been given is to minimize extreme pain.

BLEEDING: Bleeding in the form of oozing may continue beyond 24 hours in some individuals without the need for alarm, but most profuse bleeding should be decreased within 6 to 8 hours. If bleeding seems excessive after this time, (A) rinse mouth with water and remove all masses of protruding clotted blood, (B) place a dampened tea bag over the surgery site and bite firmly for 30 minutes by the clock, (C) repeat biting on the bag as is necessary. Call your doctor if you have questions.

FACIAL SWELLING: Swelling may occur to varying degrees depending on the surgery performed and the individual patient. Some patients have a great deal of swelling following oral surgery. The ice packs will reduce the swelling, not prevent it. Swelling is often greatest approximately 48 hours after surgery, then is should slowly decrease over the next few days. It is often helpful to use moist heat over the surgery areas after 48 to 72 hours. Bone fragments may work out at any time during the recovery period.

NAUSEA & VOMITING: This is usually due to either swallowing of blood or sensitivity to the medications you are taking. Often the consumption of coke and other bland food will settle the stomach. If nausea continues, pain medication should be discontinued and call our office.

MUSCLE SORENESS: It is not unusual to have some jaw muscle soreness and some limitation of opening following surgery. This soreness is temporary, and should disappear as the swelling subsides and the diet is resumed.

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