1. Bleeding:
Before you leave the clinic, the doctor will place gauze pads in your mouth. Keep them in place for 1 hour, then remove them carefully. Don’t worry about slight bleeding. This is normal and may continue for 1-2 days. If the bleeding bothers you, place a new pad (soaked in saline or salt water), bite down and keep it in for another hour.
2. Eating:
On the day of surgery, it is best to avoid food that needs chewing. Do not use a straw. From the second day, you can eat anything that is comfortable to chew. Avoid hard foods such as nuts, hard candies, chips, popcorn, crackers, etc. for 1 week.
3. Medications:
You will be prescribed medications to relieve pain and post-operative discomfort. However, it should be noted that you should not expect to feel 100% well. Do not drink alcohol while taking the medications.
4. Activity:
Try to be less active the day before and the day after surgery. You can return to your usual active routine 1 week after surgery.
5. Brushing your teeth:
Do not brush your teeth at bedtime after surgery. Start brushing the next morning. Brush carefully with gentle movements, especially around the wounds.
6. Mouth rinse:
Do not rinse after surgery. Start rinsing the next morning. Rinse gently with warm water, salt water or an antiseptic solution 3-6 times a day.
7. Ice:
Ice packs will help prevent swelling. Use them on the day of surgery at 10-30 minute intervals over 8 hours.
8. Smoking:
Do not smoke after surgery! Try to avoid it as much as possible in the following days too.
I would also like to add that every specialist gives instructions based on the complexity of the surgery and their own experience. Please respect your doctor and follow all their advice carefully. The success of surgery depends not only on the surgeon’s “skilled hands”, but also on how the post-operative period goes.
