You have had surgery on your tooth and you some swelling should be expected and may last for 3-4 days. You have sutures that do not need to be removed. However, you will be scheduled for a follow up in 1 week to evaluate healing and ensure that all the sutures have dissolved.
Use the provided ice packs immediately and often for the next 4-6 hours.
You have no food restrictions, as good nutrition is a very important part of the healing process.
DO NOT take pain medication on an empty stomach. If you become nauseous, discontinue use and lie down until nausea subsides. DO NOT take Tylenol (acetaminophen) concurrently with pain medication as this may lead to a Tylenol overdose. You may alternate between Ibuprofen 800mg (4 tabs of Motrin, Advil) and the prescribed pain medication every 3 hours (prescription drug….wait 3 hours….Ibuprophen….wait 3 hours….Prescription drug….etc).
NO RINSING TODAY—Start rinsing GENTLY tomorrow 5-10 times daily with WARM, SALTY WATER or with the Peridex that may have been prescribed to you after surgery. Both are helpful in the healing process and should be done for 4-5 days post surgery.
Please refrain from looking at the surgical site for 2-3 days, as stretching the lip may pull the sutures and cause opening of the wound. You can brush your teeth normally; however, please do not brush the gums at the surgical site.
We will make every effort to make your healing process a pleasant one and ensure that your healing is progressing normally. If, after surgery, there is any question about how you are healing, please contact our office. If, after 72 hours you do not feel better, with decreased swelling or pain, please contact our office.