Bleeding
Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding that rapidly fills your mouth with blood can frequently be controlled by biting with pressure on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues, place another piece of gauze in your mouth and please have someone call for further instructions.
Swelling
Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling apply an ice bag or a plastic bag filled with ice cubes on your cheek near the area of surgery. Apply the ice as much as possible for the first 24 hours.
Diet
Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or hard foods. Only consume soft food and liquids on the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.
Pain
You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. For moderate pain, Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) may be taken as directed. Ibuprofen bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 1-4 tablets may be taken every 6 hours for pain relief. For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed.
Oral Hygiene
Oral cleanliness is essential to good healing. Clean your mouth thoroughly after each meal, beginning the day after surgery. Brush your teeth normally if possible. Rinse with warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) three times a day. Continue this procedure until healing is complete which can be up to 1-2 weeks after surgery. You sutures will dissolve over the following week after surgery.
Activity
Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. If you exercise, throbbing or bleeding may occur. If this occurs, you should discontinue exercising. Be aware that your normal nourishment intake is reduced. Exercise may weaken you. If you get light headed, stop exercising.
