Post Op Instructions for All-on-X Surgery
If any of these symptoms seem excessive, contact the office. Call the office and follow the prompts to be directed to the emergency line. Emergency line is checked regularly and you’ll be answered within 24 hours, most likely much sooner. If unable to get in touch with provider and symptoms seem urgent/emergent, go to closest urgent care or hospital emergency room for evaluation.
Protection of the blood clot and surgical site
-Bleeding after tooth extraction or implant placement is normal and may last for several
hours.
-Put gentle pressure on your cheeks, jaws & chin with cool packs.If you have a removable denture then place gauze in the molar region and bite down.
-If there is no active bleeding then leave the gauze out.
-Lay in a semi-reclined position. Keep your head above your heart unless you feel faint.
-Avoid spitting, bending over, sucking through a straw, and rinsing for 24 hours.
-No strenuous activity or smoking for 48 hours.
-The blood clot is important for healing.
Sinus Precautions (Only if Extractions/implants were on Upper Jaw)
If you had upper jaw surgery, there may be a close relationship between the roots and/or implants and your sinuses.
-DO NOT blow your nose
-DO NOT sneeze through your nose. If the urge to sneeze arises, sneeze with your mouth open.
-DO NOT smoke or use a straw
-DO NOT rinse vigorously (gentle rinse okay)
-AVOID swimming and strenuous exercise for at least one week
-It is not uncommon to have slight amount of bleeding from the nose for several days
Rinsing
Rinsing may dislodge the blood clot and interrupt the normal process of healing. Carefully follow these steps in order.
Day 1 (Day of surgery – first 24 hours after surgery)
-Do not rinse or brush your teeth. Do not spit.
Day 2 and 3
-Brush your teeth, 2 times a day, be gentle around the surgical sites.
-If you have a non-fixed denture then remove it, rinse and clean the inside of the denture
-Begin rinsing gently using a glass of warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon per cup) or with prescribed mouth rinse. Repeat rinsing times a day.
-Never brush the gums
-Never brush an exposed membrane
-Never brush the surgical site
Day 3
-Same regiments as day 2, however begin rinsing more vigorously, and 3 times a day.
Day 4 until day 42 (6 weeks)
-Same regiment as day 2, however now rinse with a little more force.
-Continue rinsing and cleaning in this manner for 6 weeks.
Diet
Cool pureed diet (smoothies) would be best for the first seven days. No hot liquids, acidic foods or drinks for the first 24 hours. No carbonated beverages like beer or soda. Eat something when you feel ready. Cool liquids are best to start but avoid sucking through straws. Then, when the numbness starts to wear off, progress to a soft non-chew diet; but avoid in the area of the surgery. A soft non-chew diet is food you could pinch through with your fingers or cut with a plastic fork. Soft non-chew diet should be maintained during the healing phase of the surgery (~3 months after surgery). Do not progress your diet to anything harder than a soft non-chew diet until cleared to do so by your doctor at subsequent follow up appointments.
Care of teeth / Cleanliness and Healing
Starting day two, brush your 2 three times a day. Be careful of the incisions Do not start a Waterpik until 6 weeks after the surgery.
Swelling / Fever / Bruising
A cool pack placed on face will be beneficial to help control swelling & bruising. This should be used for at least 48 hours. Keep the jaw bra/face bra on as much as possible for one wee to avoid hematoma formation and bruising. If extreme swelling occurs or a temperature above 101.5 contact my office.
Pain
Some discomfort is normal following oral surgery. If pain medication is prescribed, take only as directed. Often it is beneficial to take the medication after eating to help prevent nausea. Do not drive while using narcotic pain medications.
No Smoking or Alcohol
Do not smoke or drink alcohol during the healing phase after the surgery. This may cause the disruption of healthy blood clot formation and increase in complications including dry sockets, prolonged healing, wound breakdown and post-operative infections.
I.V. Injection site
After having intravenous anesthesia, the arm vein may become hardened and tender. If so, then, apply moist heat over the area for one hour three times a day for three days. Contact me if there is no improvement.
Sharp Bony Edges
You may feel hard, sharp areas on the surgical site. Leave it alone never pick at it or scratch it. Notify the office staff on the post-operative check-up.
Nausea
Nausea is a normal side effect of narcotic pain medications. If you have severe nausea or vomiting you may need to stop the pain medications or take an additional anti-nausea medication.
Antibiotics and Contraception
Contraceptives may be ineffective while taking an antibiotic. Use extra protection if you have been prescribed an antibiotic.