Dr. Terranova will ask you to minimize physical activity and eating until the bleeding subsides and the gums heal. You can gently press the affected area on a gauze pad periodically. It is important to change the pads as they become soaked with blood.If you still have bleeding 24 hours after your surgery you can call Dr. Terranova for further instructions. After surgery your mouth will be numb. It is important not to bite the inside of your cheek, tongue or lip.
Always keep your head propped up after surgery, lying flat can prolong the bleeding.
Use an ice pack outside of your cheek. You can apply this for 15 to 20 minutes during the first 24 hours.
Eating after surgery
Try eating the following soft foods after surgery: thin soup, rice pudding or gelatin.
Add more solid foods after 3-4 days.
After a week you may eat chicken and meat.
First day after surgery
Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water. (Do this regularly to reduce the swelling and relieve pain.)
Do not smoke after surgery for the first 24 hours. This can also can loosen the clot and delay healing due to the sucking process. Smoking can also decreases the blood supply to the wound. Smoking also introduces germs and contaminants to the wound area.
Do not run the wound with your tongue or touch it with your fingers.
Brush your teeth and tongue carefully.
Dr. Terranova will remove the stitches after a few days. Be sure to keep your appointment as we are also monitoring progress.
