Post-Operative Instructions – Splinting of Teeth

BLEEDING

  • 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.

PAIN CONTROL AND ANTIBIOTIC

  • Always take medications with food or a glass of water to avoid stomach upset.
  • ADULTS:  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.
  • PEDIATRIC PATIENTS: Take 10-15mg (per kg of body weight) of ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, etc.) as soon as possible and before the numbing wears off. Then, follow up with 10mg/kg* of acetaminophen (Tylenol) three hours later. Repeat this cycle every three hours for at least the first day.
  • *1 pound = 2.2 kilograms
  • Make sure not to exceed 4 x single dose of ibuprofen or 4 x single dose of acetaminophen within a 24-hour period.
  • Apply ice to the outside of your face, 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off, during the first 72 hours (3 days) after your procedure. If you experience pain or swelling beyond 72 hours, you may switch to heat, following the same, 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off, pattern.
  • 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): 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, avoiding hot liquids until the numbness subsides.
  • After 24 hours, you can start having more nutritious liquids like Carnation Instant Breakfast, Ensure, protein shakes, smoothies, and soups.
  • Your diet, until the first follow up appointment, will be a full liquid diet. This includes Ensure, protein shakes, smoothies, milkshakes, blended, non-chew soups, pureed fruit or vegetables, yogurt, and oatmeal.
  • DO NOT bite or chew on splinted teeth until specified by your surgeon. Doing so may affect the positioning of your teeth and decrease successful integration of your teeth.

ORAL HYGIENE

  • You may brush your teeth and wires (if applicable) the same day as your procedure, being careful to avoid the surgical site.
  • On the day of your procedure, start rinsing with a saltwater solution (1 cup of water and 1 tsp of table salt) at least 3-4 times a day for a week. Make sure to do this, especially after meals and snacks.
  • Chlorhexidine (Peridex) mouth rinse (if prescribed): Rinse your mouth gently, especially after meals.

WAX

  • Applying a soft wax to wires or arch bars will reduce irritation to cheeks or lips. You may obtain this wax from our office. Remove the wax to brush your teeth.

ACTIVITY

  • You can open and close your jaw and speak without any issue. However, avoid forcing your jaw open until your surgeon gives you directions to do so.
  • 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 and significantly raise the risk of infection.

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.