After Biopsy or Other Procedure

Do not disturb the wound. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the wound on the day of surgery.

Bleeding – Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding (your mouth fills up rapidly with blood) can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 10 – 15 minutes. If bleeding continues please call the office for further instructions.

Swelling – Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling, apply an ice bag, or a plastic bag, or towel filled with ice on the cheek in the area of surgery. Apply the ice continuously, as much as possible, for the first 36 hours.

Diet – Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.

Pain:  For mild to moderate discomfort use Ibuprofen/Motrin/Advil.  If you cannot take these medications you may use Tylenol (Acetaminophen).  Ibuprofen, Motrin or Advil: Take 2 to 4 tablets every 6 hours as needed.  Tylenol:  Take 1 or 2 tablets every 6 hours as needed.

For severe pain use the prescription pain medication if one was given to you. Add the prescription pain medication to the Ibuprofen, Motrin or Advil.  If you are taking Tylenol, remember that most prescription pain medications contain Tylenol and you should stop taking the Tylenol when you start the prescription pain medications. If the pain does not begin to subside in 2 to 3 days, please call our office. If an antibiotic has been prescribed, finish your antibiotic prescription.  If you are having trouble taking the antibiotics, please call the office for instructions.

Antibiotics – Antibiotics Are Not Routinely Prescribed to Every Patient.  If antibiotics are prescribed for you, be sure to take antibiotics as directed to help prevent infection.

Oral Hygiene – Good oral hygiene is essential to good healing. Warm salt water rinses (1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) should be used at least 4-5 times a day, as well, especially after meals. Brushing your teeth is no problem. Be gentle initially with brushing around the surgical areas.

Activity – Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. If you are considering exercise, throbbing or bleeding may occur. If this occurs, you should discontinue exercising. Keep in mind that you are probably not taking normal nourishment. This may weaken you and further limit your ability to exercise.

Wearing your Prosthesis – Ask Dr. Sarka about wearing retainers, partial dentures, flippers, or full dentures immediately after surgery.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at Portland Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Phone Number (207) 387-2055.  After hours, you will reach our answering service and they will page the doctor and have him call you back.