Post Op Instructions

1. Bite firmly on gauze for 1-2 hours or until bleeding stops. Don’t be alarmed if a slight amount of bleeding continues for 1-2 days. However, the best way to stop any bleeding is to bite firmly on gauze for at least 1 hour at a time. It is not unusual to have some oozing for up to 24 hours. Rest today and keep your head slightly elevated. Do not engage in any physical activity.

2. Use prescribed medications. Unless you already have your medication, pick it up as soon as is reasonable. Please sip some clear liquid such as water or apple juice prior to taking any mediation. DO NOT DRINK THROUGH A STRAW. Remember that it is easier to control the pain in the early stages by taking the pain medications before your local anesthetic wears off.

3. Do not rinse the mouth for 24 hours. After 24 hours you can start rinsing gently with warm salt water rinses (1tsp. salt to 8oz. warm water). You should rinse liberally (3-5 times daily) for the second and third day. You may reduce the frequency of rinsing after the third day.

4. Use ice for the first 3-4 hours following surgery. Place ice packs on the outside of your face adjacent to the surgery site to help minimize swelling (especially if bone was removed). Alternate the placement of the ice packs on and off every 5-10 minutes. Application of ice is ONLY helpful for the 3-4 hours following surgery. Maximum swelling usually occurs about 1-1/2 days following surgery. By 48 hours, it should be going down. On the third day following surgery, you can start applying heat to the swollen areas as often as is comfortable to reduce swelling and bruising.

5. A liquid diet is best for the first day. Tomorrow, start a soft diet and begin chewing food when you feel you are able without discomfort. Let comfort be your guide as far as what to eat. The sooner you are back to a balanced and normal diet, the faster you will recover.

6. In case of extreme pain, uncontrollable bleeding, or anything unusual, please call Dr. Paychev. If the pain seems to be getting worse instead of better after 3-4 days, it could mean you have a dry socket. This complication is not serious if it is promptly treated. Dry socket incidence is increased with such things as physical exertion, rinsing or spitting too much on the first day, smoking and birth control pills.

7. Sutures may be placed. If they are they should be removed within 5-7 days. Sometimes we do use dissolvable sutures. They will dissolve in 3-5 days.

8. If you need to contact Dr. Paychev please use the following phone number if it is after hours: (650) 787-4441