Post-operative Instructions
These instructions apply to the surgical procedure just completed. They are designed to help you minimize post-surgical discomfort and inform you of any situation that may require special attention.
Pain Medications
It is not unusual to have some discomfort immediately following your surgical procedure. You will be given a prescription for medication to help you tolerate the post-surgical recovery period. Please take your medications as directed. If necessary, you may take your pain medication more frequently than every 4-6 hours to stay ahead of the soreness. Please discuss this with Dr. Limardi prior to doing so, as this is not advisable with all medications. He may be reached through his answering service 24 hours a day. It is advisable to not take pain medication on an empty stomach, as nausea may result. As an alternative to prescription medications, some patients have found taking a combination of over-the-counter medications to be effective. We are happy to report that many of our patients take little to no prescription pain medication following surgical care.
Note: When taking any prescribed medication containing Acetaminophen (Tylenol), i.e.; Percocet, Hydrocodone, Vicoden or Tylenol with Codeine, you should not take additional Tylenol so as not to exceed the safety level of Acetaminophen. Please contact the office with any questions you may have.
Antibiotics
Please alert the office to any allergies or sensitivities that you might have to antibiotics. An antibiotic may be prescribed following your surgical procedure. Take as directed until gone. It is advisable not to take these medications on an empty stomach, as nausea may result. For women taking birth control pills, be advised that antibiotics may interfere with their effectiveness.
Swelling
Swelling may occur following your surgical procedure and will typically increase 2-3 days after the procedure. To minimize the swelling, place an ice pack over the outside cheek area for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. Continue using ice for 2-3 days following the procedure as often as possible. We will provide an ice pack as well as gauze and topical pain medications after your surgical treatment.
Bleeding
A small amount of bleeding is normal. If excessive or continuous bleeding occurs:
- Do not rinse your mouth.
- Elevate your head when lying down.
- Apply moistened gauze to the immediate area with moderate pressure for 20 minutes; repeat if necessary.
- Enclose a moistened tea bag in a gauze square and apply pressure for 20 minutes.
- Call Dr. Limardi if bleeding persists or if you are concerned.
Dressing
The dressing (which acts as a bandage) is used to protect the surgical site and help reduce discomfort. If the dressing comes off or is uncomfortable, please call the office for direction.
Diet
Until comfortable, avoid chewing on the side where surgery was completed. Avoid hot foods and liquids for approximately 1 hour following the surgery so as not to soften the dressing. A soft diet is recommended. Foods such as cottage cheese, oatmeal, soup, eggs, yogurt, pasta, mashed potatoes, casseroles, and fruits are more easily eaten. Remember, adequate nutrition is essential for feeling better as well as for healing.
Smoking
Although Dr. Limardi would prefer that you do not smoke immediately after surgical care, he realizes that this is not a realistic goal for all patients. He will discuss this with you further, but please try to stop smoking or smoke as little as possible fir as long as possible after surgery. Smoking may increase discomfort as well as slow healing and may compromise results.
Alcohol
Do not drink alcohol while taking prescription pain medications.
Rinsing
Do not rinse for the first 24 hours. After that, you may use a mild, diluted mouthwash. Repeat as necessary to help keep the dressing clean.
Brushing
Do not brush the surgical site. You may resume normal brushing/flossing in other areas the following day.
Suture Removal
You may notice increased discomfort 3-4 days after the surgical procedure. As the tissues begin to heal, they may pull against the sutures and dressing. You may choose to take some form of pain medication one hour prior to your suture removal appointment to minimize tenderness. If you are a patient for whom antibiotic pre-medication is required, take the prescribed antibiotics 1 hour prior to your suture removal appointment. Dr. Limardi prefers to use restorable sutures whenever possible to eliminate the need for suture removal.
Contact Us
Should you have any questions or concerns during regular office hours, please do not hesitate to contact us at 513-870-9672 or 513-598-9555.