MEDICATION

1. Take medicine immediately after surgery. All medication should be taken after eating to prevent nausea.
2. Pain medications are prescribed to minimize your discomfort and inflammation during the healing phase. Discontinue the pain killer after 3 days if discomfort has subsided.
3. If antibiotics are prescribed, take them as directed until all have been taken.
4. Discontinue medication in case of rash, itching or upset stomach and advise the office.

BLEEDING/SWELLING

1. A mild to moderate amount of bleeding or oozing can be expected during the first 2 days after the surgery.
2. To control bleeding, avoid using straws. Don't rinse vigorously. Don't smoke or drink alcohol. Don't disturb the surgical site blood clot.
3. If there is needed, bite on a gauze pad for 30 minutes after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to repeat several times.
4. If heavy bleeding, uncontrolled bleeding or clot format occur, call the office immediately.
5. Swelling is common and may peak 3 days after the surgery. Bruising may also be associated with swelling and should reduce as the swelling dissipates.
6. It is also recommended you sleep with your head elevated at about 45 degrees for the first 2-3 days following your surgery to reduce swelling.
7. If swelling does not reduce or increases 5 days after your surgery and you experience excessive pain, call the office.

ICE PACKING

1. Generally, there is no need for ice packing.
2. With continues bleeding, apply ice packs 20 minutes 'on' and 20 minutes 'off'. Ice packs must be wrapped in a thin cloth and applied on the outside of the jaw or cheeks over the surgical site.

ACTIVITIES

1. While lips and/or tongue are numb, do not bite them or push any protective dressing that may be present.
2. Do not pull back the lips to observe the surgical site.
3. Following surgery, you may return to work or regular activities.
4. It is not recommended that you perform any strenuous physical activities during your recovery period. Do not to go to the gym, participate in sporting activities, swim, lift and/or push heavy objects.
5. Do not consume alcohol and smoking during this period.
6. Avoid sneezing and blowing your nose too hard. 

RINSING & BRUSHING

1. If a mouth rinse was prescribed, start using it only 24 hours after your surgery. To rinse 3 times daily for 1 minute each time with 10 ml of chlorhexidine 0.12% mouth rinse.
2. Do not swish when rinsing your mouth; instead, slightly lower and gently move your head right to left. Do not spit out water, but let it drain out in the sink.
3. Do not brush or floss your teeth at the operation site for 1-2 weeks. Please adhere to regular oral habits at other areas of the mouth.

Postoperative Diet

1. During the first 24 hours following your surgery, avoid hot fluids (tea, coffee, hot soup) and also avoid chewing on food. Limit yourself to a soft diet such as pudding, Jell-O, yogurt, applesauce, scrambled eggs, mashed bananas and overcooked pasta. Liquid supplements such as Ensure, Boost and Carnation Instant Breakfast are also excellent.
2. Increase your nutrition gradually but avoid hard to chew foods until your first post-operative visit.
3. Drink plenty of fluids and do not use straws.

PROTECTIVE DRESSING

1. If applied, is usually a thick, pink colored paste, or yellowish, thin, sticky dressing.
2. Do not remove or pick at the area. Allow them to come off in their own time or resorbed. If they come off before your first post- operative appointment, there is no problem unless you are experiencing pain or discomfort. Do not try to replace the dressing; simply throw it away. In addition, there is no harm to you if it is swallowed accidentally.

OTHERS

1. Teeth at the operation site may be temporarily unstable or sensitive, and will gradually recover to preoperative condition or become better 1 to 2 months following the surgery. Temporary splinting may be indicated with increasing teeth mobility.
2. Some soft tissue recession was suspected after resected surgery. Strict oral hygiene performance and regular dental follow up are recommended.