The day of surgery and the next 24 hours:
- Avoid eating and drinking during the first two hours after surgery.
- Refrain from smoking as long as possible.
- Avoid touching the surgical site with your fingers or tongue.
- Apply an ice pack wrapped with a damp cloth for 20 minutes every hour for 24 hours.
- Do not rinse your mouth and do not brush your teeth.
- Rest, avoid physical activity and over-exertion.
- If bleeding occurs, bite on a moist cotton roll or a wet tea bag. Hold a light, steady pressure for about 30 minutes.
- Eat soft foods (foods that you can cut with a fork). Avoid hot liquids because they promote bleeding.
- Avoid creating suction in your mouth (drinking with a straw, spitting).
- Take your medications as prescribed.
- Sleep sitting up or with your head propped up on two pillows to help prevent bleeding.
In the following days:
- Brush your teeth gently, avoiding the surgical site. A clean mouth heals more quickly.
- Rinse your mouth with the prescribed mouthwash or a mixture of ½ teaspoon of salt in a glass of water. Avoid over the counter mouthwash for a period of 2 weeks after surgery.
- Some swelling may appear and reach its peak 48 to 72 hours after surgery. Discolouration of the skin may also occur. This is common and everything should return to normal in the next two weeks.
- The stitches will fall out in one or two weeks.
- Eat soft foods for several days, such as foods that can be cut with a fork.
- You may have difficulty opening your mouth. This problem should resolve itself after 4 to 5 days.
- The presence of a hole is normal, healing will take up to six weeks.
- Do not wear your dentures to eat.
- Our goal is that you be as comfortable as possible after your surgery. If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at 514-287-1900.