Post-Operative Care Instructions – Extraoral Incision & Drainage with Possible Extraction(s)

BLEEDING

  • If you had teeth extracted during your procedure today, keep the gauze in place for one hour after your procedure, then remove it to check the surgical site(s). If there is minimal or no bleeding, leave the gauze out. A blood clot, or scab, will naturally form over the surgical site(s).
  • If after checking the surgical site(s), you observe blood pooling in your mouth, place a fresh piece of gauze. First, wet the gauze with water, squeeze it out, fold it into a 1″ by 1″ square, and put it over the site. Apply pressure for one hour, then check the area again.
  • Avoid excessive gauze replacement, as it may increase bleeding. Expect pinkish to reddish saliva in the days following your procedure; this is a normal part of the healing process.
  • If blood continues to pool after following these instructions for two hours, please contact our office for further assistance.
  • Discoloration or bruising is frequently seen, due to postoperative bleeding from the operative sites into the tissues, potentially spreading to the neck and upper chest. This typically resolves spontaneously.

NEVER EAT OR SLEEP WITH THE GAUZE IN YOUR MOUTH.

PAIN CONTROL AND ANTIBIOTIC

  • Always take medications with food or a glass of water to avoid stomach upset.
  • Take 200 – 600mg of ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, etc.) as soon as possible and before the numbing wears off. Then, follow up with 500 – 1,000mg of acetaminophen (Tylenol) three hours later. Repeat this cycle every three hours for at least the first day. If you are unable to take ibuprofen or acetaminophen, please inform our staff, and we will create an alternative pain management plan for you.
  • If you find you require additional pain relief, you may substitute acetaminophen with your narcotic pain medication (if prescribed). Always take ibuprofen and choose either acetaminophen or the narcotic pain medication for the second dose.
  • If you find that you feel nauseated after taking the narcotic pain medication, discontinue use. If vomiting occurs, please contact our office for further assistance.
  • Make sure not to exceed 3,200mg of ibuprofen or 4,000mg of acetaminophen within a 24-hour period.
  • Apply heat to the affected area for 20 minutes, followed by a 20-minute break, within the initial 72 hours (3 days) after your procedure. This will enhance blood circulation, facilitate drainage, and alleviate discomfort.
  • Swelling may continue to increase for up to 3 days after your procedure. To help reduce it, elevate your head when lying down.
  • Antibiotics (if prescribed): Resume or begin taking them this evening or the morning following your procedure. Continue to take them, as directed, until gone. Always take antibiotics with food to avoid stomach upset.
  • DIET
  • Begin with clear liquids such as apple juice, Gatorade, Jell-O, broth, and water, avoiding hot liquids until the numbness subsides.
  • Once numbness subsides, transition to soft foods such as applesauce, scrambled eggs, pancakes, mashed potatoes, or soup, taking care to avoid the surgical site(s). As you feel more comfortable, gradually reintroduce more solid foods.
  • Avoid hard or crunchy foods for a week or two, as they can get lodged in the surgical sites.

ORAL HYGIENE

  • You may brush your teeth, being careful to avoid the surgical site(s). For the first 72 hours following your procedure, GENTLY rinse your mouth allowing the remains to fall into the sink rather than spitting them out. After 72 hours, you may rinse more vigorously.
  • The day of your procedure, begin rinsing at least 3 – 4 times daily with a saltwater solution (1 cup of water and 1 tsp of table salt). During the initial 72 hours, GENTLY rinse with the saltwater solution. After 72 hours, you may rinse more vigorously. Maintain this routine until your next appointment.

SUTURES

  • Sutures will dissolve or fall out 3 – 7 days after your procedure. It is okay if they come out sooner than 3 days. If there is no active bleeding, you will continue to heal as normal.
  • Certain procedures require non-dissolvable sutures. In this case, your surgeon will let you know, and a follow-up appointment will be scheduled for removal of the sutures.

ACTIVITY

  • For the first 72 hours after your procedure, avoid using a straw and avoid spitting or sucking motions. These actions may dislodge the blood clot, potentially causing bleeding or leading to a painful condition known as dry socket.
  • Avoid strenuous activity for at least 72 hours after your procedure. Strenuous activities can exert pressure on your surgical site, which may dislodge the blood clot, resulting in bleeding or leading to a painful condition known as dry socket.
  • If you play musical instruments such as the saxophone, clarinet, or trumpet, please avoid playing them for 7 days following your procedure.
  • If you were sedated with an IV, you need to have a responsible adult monitor you for the 12 hours following your procedure. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery for 24 hours following your procedure.
  • Avoid vaping or smoking for five to seven days after your procedure. Vaping and smoking can slow healing, significantly raise the risk of infection, and may lead to a painful condition known as dry socket.

HYGIENE

  • You may shower as usual but be cautious not to soak the wound, such as in a bathtub, hot tub, pool, etc. 
  • Be careful not to apply lotion near the surgical site.
  • After showering, reapply a large band-aid or 4 x 4 gauze using paper tape over the drain. Change this dressing as needed.

Prescriptions: Any prescriptions will be sent electronically to your pharmacy. It may take up to 6 hours for your prescriptions to be ready. Please contact our office if it has been more than 6 hours.

Contact Our Office: If you have questions or concerns, please contact our office at (269)323-1527. We have a surgeon on call 24/7. For after-hours calls, our answering service will assist you. Please leave the patient’s name, date of birth, and a callback number. The on-call surgeon will contact you at the earliest opportunity.