TODAY:

Transportation: The patient is not permitted to drive a car or leave the surgery center unattended if they received IV sedation. It is necessary to arrange for a responsible adult or caregiver to drive home and monitor the patient.

1. Bite firmly on the gauze to stop the bleeding, which may continue for 2-4 hours. Change the gauze every 30-45 minutes if needed. Constant pressure is very important. Avoid frequent pack changes. Remove the gauze when drinking or eating, then at bedtime unless you are still bleeding. Oozing may continue through the night, but there should not be excessive bleeding.
2. Get lots of rest, keep your head elevated and do NOT disturb the surgical site. Limit physical activity for the next few days.
3. Follow the instructions on your medication labels and take as directed—do NOT take pain medications on an empty stomach.
4. Do NOT rinse, or spit for the first 24 hours. Do NOT use straws for 48h following your surgery. Brush your teeth as usual but be gentle in the areas around the surgical site.
5. It is normal to experience pain and swelling for a few days after the procedure. You may use ice to help with swelling or discomfort.
6. We recommend a soft/ liquid diet the first day or two to avoid irritation or biting yourself (you can experience numbness a few hours after your procedure). Avoid alcohol and tobacco use and smoking of any sort.

TOMORROW & THE NEXT FEW DAYS:

1. Gradually resume a normal diet as tolerated but avoid foods with small seeds or cornels that could get stuck in the site until you are fully healed.
2. You may switch to either Tylenol or Advil for pain. If necessary, continue to take your prescription pain medication. Avoid Tylenol while taking the prescription pain medication.
3. Continue using ice as needed for the first 2-3 days following surgery. Swelling may be greater on day 2 and 3 and can be limited by avoiding strenuous activity for the first three days following surgery.
4. If you wear an orthodontic retainer, TMJ splint, or other removable device, begin wearing it 24 hours after your surgery.
5. If you experience discomfort, remove, and try again the following day.
6. DO NOT use the syringe for 1 week. Only use syringe (if needed) to get food out of extraction site(s).
7. You may or may not receive stitches after your procedure. If you do, they will dissolve on their own 1-7 days post op. Having an open hole is normal after this surgery and it can take a few weeks to fully close. Some residual soreness is also normal for up to two weeks post op.
8. Follow-up appointments are not necessary. However, if you experience extreme pain or have questions or concerns, call the office at 720-328-4990 and we will get you scheduled.
9. If you have an after-hours emergency, please contact Altitude Oral Maxillofacial Implant Center at 720-328-4990 and the on-call doctor will return your call.