Post-operative Instructions

  1. Please take pain medication (includes ibuprofen, Advil, or Motrin) prior to the time the local anesthetic wears off (when the area begins to tingle). Take 600 mg (3 over-the-counter tablets) of ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) every 6-8 hours for the first 2-3 days. These dosages apply to healthy average-sized adults. If you have pain that is not alleviated by ibuprofen, consider 600 mg of ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) every 6 hours AND Tylenol 650 mg every 4 to 6 hours.
  2. To help avoid nausea, always take pain medication with food.
  3. The local anesthetic usually wears off in 3 to 8 hours but may last over night.
  4. Be careful not to bite your lip or tongue while those areas are numb.
  5. Use ice packs on face for first 24-36 hours. 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off while awake. Do not use ice after 36 hours. Do not use heat.
  6. If you had I.V. anesthesia, someone should stay with you until the next morning.
  7. Take it very easy for at least 72 hours. Unless instructed otherwise there should be no strenuous physical activity for 5-7 days.
  8. Eat soft foods that do not require chewing for 1 week unless instructed otherwise. No chewing in the area of bone grafts or implants for 6 months, unless instructed by Dr. Wiggins to do otherwise.
  9. Cold foods (room temperature or colder) and drinks are best for the first 36 hours.
  10. Do not drink alcohol or carbonated beverages for 1 week.
  11. Do not drink through a straw for 1 week.
  12. Do not spit or rinse your mouth for 24 hours or while any bleeding persists. These activities may hinder formation of a blood clot which is necessary for proper healing. Do not use Peridex/chlorhexidine for the first 24 hours. Peridex/chlorhexidine takes the place of salt water.
  13. You may receive a syringe at your postoperative appointment, but please do not use one until then.
  14. Please brush your teeth, but be careful in the area of the surgery. Do not play with the surgery area with your tongue or fingers.
  15. Do not smoke for at least 1 week (six months for bone grafting and implants).
  16. For bleeding, bite firmly on gauze for at least 45 minutes. Remove and replace as necessary no more often than each 45 minutes. There is no need to bite on gauze if you are not bleeding.
  17. If bleeding continues, bite firmly on a tea bag for 45-60 minutes.
  18. If bleeding continues for more than 72 hours or if bleeding is heavy, call Dr. Wiggins.
  19. For the first 48 to 72 hours, it is best to sleep with your head elevated. Sleeping in a recliner or on multiple pillows is recommended.
  20. If you notice increased swelling or redness after 48 hours, call Dr. Wiggins.
  21. If you develop a temperature greater than 101.5, call Dr. Wiggins.
  22. It is not ever an emergency if sutures (stitches) come out. It is generally O. K. to wait until your post-op appointment to tell us they are out. If you wish to call regarding sutures, please call during regular hours.
  23. If you have retainers, you may put them in as soon as they fit and after bleeding stops.
  24. This and much other pertinent information may be found by visiting www.txofs.com or clicking here for more detailed surgical instructions.
  25. Unless instructed otherwise, all of these instructions are important for you. They apply to most surgeries and for most healthy, average-sized adults. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call us.