After Surgery Care

After Surgery Care

At Florida Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants, your care, especially your care after the procedure, is very important to us. We will provide instructions for care, both written and verbally. Just in case you have questions, here are some do’s and don’ts.

After Your Procedure Care

Things to expect:

• Swelling — Ice, ice, and more ice for the first 24 to 48 hours. Apply ice to the face (outside of the mouth) to the affected areas. Frozen vegetables such as peas or corn work well because they contour to your face.
• Bleeding — Expect minor bleeding or oozing for the first 24–48 hours. Apply moist gauze for 20 minutes (TIME YOURSELF) and repeat as necessary. Do not use dry gauze or remove gauze too frequently to avoid dry socket.
• Discomfort — Start pain medication immediately after the procedure and continue for the first 72 hours. Do not wait for numbness to wear off.
• Healing time — Usually seven to ten days, depending on the procedure performed.

NO SMOKING!!! (During the healing period)

Be careful with your diet:

• Avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods.
• Avoid foods with small particles that may become lodged in surgical sites.
• Avoid sticky or hard foods if you have dentures or restorations, as they may loosen or damage them.
• Choose soft foods such as eggs, mashed potatoes, soups, or smoothies.
• Cut food into small pieces to assist chewing and digestion.
• Add gravies or butter to soften foods and chew on both sides of the mouth.

Dentures are made of acrylic and may break when heavy stresses are applied. 

Drink plenty of water — stay hydrated:

• Dry mouth may cause irritation and increase the chance of decay.
• Hydration helps replenish saliva.
• Check with your physician if medications may cause dry mouth.

Follow good hygiene habits:

• Clean surgical sites, restorations, dentures, and the mouth daily.
• Brush gums, cheeks, tongue, and mouth with a soft-bristled brush daily.
• Clean dentures gently with a soft brush and mild soap; avoid bleaching agents and toothpaste.

If you had a sinus procedure:

• No nose blowing.
• No drinking through a straw.
• Use antihistamines as directed for at least two weeks.
• Use decongestants for no more than five consecutive days.
• If sneezing occurs, sneeze with your mouth open.
• Take medications as prescribed.

NO SMOKING!! (During the healing period)

Denture care:

• Soak dentures daily using a non-abrasive denture cleanser.
• Follow manufacturer guidelines for soaking time.
• Never place denture cleansers directly in your mouth.
• Do not soak dentures with soft liners.

Dry Socket:

• A painful condition caused by loss of the blood clot after extraction.
• Usually occurs after the third day.
• Smoking increases the risk.
• Follow post-operative instructions carefully.

Emergency Care:

Contact the office at 954-838-0621 if you experience:

• Persistent bleeding after 3–4 hours
• Inability to maintain nutrition after 48 hours
• Persistent numbness after day one
• Increasing pain or swelling after day three
• Loose or fractured implants
• Signs of allergic reaction
• Fever over 100.5°F
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing

If you are experiencing a non-dental medical emergency, call 911.