Post-Operative Instructions

These are general instructions for post-op care. Please refer to the specific care directions you were given after your procedure. They are designed to help you minimize post-surgical discomfort and inform you of any situation that may require special attention.

For your comfort

For some procedures, it may not be unusual to have discomfort for at least the first week following your surgical procedure. If necessary or requested, you will be given a prescription for medication to help you tolerate the post-surgical recovery period. Please take your medications as directed. It is advisable to not take pain medication on an empty stomach, as nausea may result.

As an alternative to prescription medications, some patients have found taking a combination of over-the-counter Ibuprofen and Tylenol to be effective. You may take the combination in either of the following dosages: 3 Advil Liqui-Gels and 2 Regular Strength Tylenol or 3 Advil Liqui-Gels and 1 Extra Strength Tylenol, every 4-6 hours as needed.

Note: When taking any prescribed medication containing Acetaminophen (Tylenol), i.e.; Percocet, Hydrocodone, Vicodin or Tylenol with Codeine, you should not take additional Tylenol so as not to exceed the safety level of Acetaminophen. Please contact the office with any questions you may have.

Antibiotics

Please alert the office to any allergies or sensitivities that you might have to antibiotics. An antibiotic may be prescribed following your surgical procedure. Take as directed until the entire bottle is empty. It is advisable not to take these medications on an empty stomach, as nausea may result. For women taking birth control pills, be advised that antibiotics may interfere with their effectiveness.

Swelling

Swelling may occur following your surgical procedure and will typically increase 2-3 days after the procedure. To minimize the swelling, place an ice pack over the outside cheek area for 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off the day of the procedure. On the following days, if needed, use warm moist heat compresses. 

Bleeding

A small amount of bleeding is normal. If excessive or continuous bleeding occurs:

• Do not rinse your mouth.
• Elevate your head when lying down.
• Apply moistened gauze to the immediate area with moderate pressure for 20 minutes uninterrupted.
• If gauze pressure does not control the active bleeding, apply a moistened tea bag to the immediate area with pressure for 20 minutes uninterrupted.
• Call the office if bleeding persists: Evan S. Wetzler, DDS Phone Number 914-245-1550.

Dressing

A dressing may or may not be applied.  Please follow the post-op instructions given for your procedure if a dressing was applied.

Diet

For one week avoid chewing on the side where the procedure was completed. Avoid hot foods and liquids for approximately 1 day following the surgery. A soft diet is recommended. Foods such as cottage cheese, oatmeal, soup, eggs, yogurt, pasta, mashed potatoes, casseroles and fruits are recommended. Remember, adequate nutrition is essential for feeling better as well as for healing.

Smoking

It is highly recommended that you do not smoke following your surgical procedure. It will significantly slow healing and can compromise results.

Alcohol

Do not drink alcohol while taking prescription pain medications.

Rinsing

Do not rinse for the first 24 hours. After that, use the prescribed mouth rinse (if prescribed). Repeat as directed to help keep the area clean.

Brushing

Do not brush or floss the surgical site for one week. You may resume normal brushing/flossing in other areas the day following the procedure.

Contact Us

Should you have any questions or concerns during regular office hours, please do not hesitate to contact us at Evan S. Wetzler, DDS Phone Number 914-245-1550.