Post-Surgical Care

Postoperative Instructions

After going through the oral or maxillofacial surgery at Casa Grande Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery PC, follow the post-op instructions:

Swelling

Swelling is the body’s normal response to surgery and the beginning of the healing process.

Swelling will vary among individuals and according to different procedures.
Swelling will increase over the first 72 hours, and subside over the next five to seven days.
Apply cold packs (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) for the first 24 hours while awake.
Keep your head elevated for the first 72 hours using pillows under the back and head while sleeping.

Bleeding

Minor bleeding or blood-tinged saliva may occur for the first 24 to 48 hours.
Bite on gauze for one to two hours following surgery. If heavy bleeding still occurs, replace with new gauze and bite for one hour.
Do not drink through a straw or suck on any hard candy for 24 hours.
Do not smoke for seven to ten days following surgery.

Pain

Medication has been prescribed according to your anticipated level of discomfort.

Take pain medication before numbness from the local anesthetic is gone.
Repeat every four to six hours as needed.
Take medication with a milkshake or other beverage to avoid nausea.
Do not drive or operate hazardous machinery or drink alcohol while taking pain medication.

Rinsing

You may drink but not rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours following surgery.

After 24 hours, gently rinse the mouth with warm salt water (one teaspoon of salt with lukewarm water in a large glass) three to four times daily.
Continue rinsing until you return for your post-op exam.
You may gently brush your teeth the day after surgery, being careful in the area where the surgery was performed.

Diet

A soft or liquid diet is best for the first six to 12 hours until the numbness wears off.
Cold foods such as milkshakes and lukewarm soups are best.

Sutures

If sutures were placed they will dissolve by themselves unless you're specifically told that non-dissolvable sutures were used.
Sutures may loosen or come out prior to your next appointment.

If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to call the office during normal business hours. If you need to speak with the doctor after normal business hours he can be paged at 520-426-3200.

Be assured that our interest in your well-being does not end with surgery. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us at the office. Help will always be available. A post-operative appointment will be made for approximately one week, but we'd be happy to see you sooner if the need arises. Emergency services are available.