Postoperative Instructions

Immediately Following Surgery

The gauze pad placed over the surgical area should be kept in place for a half hour. After this time, the gauze pad should be removed and discarded. It should be replaced with a fresh gauze if active bleeding continues. Mild oozing is normal for several hours after a surgery. You may discard and not replace the gauze once it is light pink upon checking after biting on it for 30-60 minutes.
Vigorous mouth rinsing and/or touching the wound area following surgery should be avoided. This may initiate bleeding by causing the blood clot that has formed to become dislodged.
Take the prescribed pain medications as soon as you begin to feel discomfort. This will usually coincide with the local anesthetic becoming diminished.
Restrict your activities the day of surgery and resume normal activity when you feel comfortable.
Place ice packs to the sides of your face where surgery was performed. Refer to the section on swelling for a more thorough explanation.

Caution:

If you suddenly sit up or stand from a lying position, you may become dizzy. If you are lying down following surgery, make sure you sit for one minute before standing.

Lewisburg TN • Mt. Pleasant TN • Lawrenceburg TN • Pulaski TN • Spring Hill TN
Hohenwald TN

Hunter Oral & Implant Surgery, PLLC • Address: 1324 Trotwood Ave, Suite 3 Columbia TN 38401 • Phone: 931-381-0340 • Fax: 931-388-2818
Hunter Oral & Implant Surgery, PLLC • Address: 500 East Gaines Street Lawrenceburg TN 38464 • Phone: 931-381-0340 • Fax: 931-388-2818