General Post-Operative Instructions in Londonderry & Salem, NH

Day of Surgery

Bleeding:

• Bite down gently on gauze for at least one hour after surgery.
• If bleeding persists, reposition gauze or bite on a damp tea bag wrapped in gauze for 20–30 minutes.
• Light oozing is normal. If heavy bleeding continues, call our office.

Swelling:

• Apply a cold pack to the outside of your cheek—20 minutes on, 20 minutes off—for the first 24–48 hours.
• Swelling typically peaks around day 3 or 4, and can be reduced by keeping your head elevated while resting.

Pain:

• Take anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., ibuprofen or naproxen) on a scheduled basis for the first 1–2 days.
• Use prescribed narcotics for breakthrough pain as directed.
• Always eat something before taking pain medication to reduce nausea.

Activity:

• Rest quietly the day of surgery.
• Avoid driving, working, or operating machinery if you received sedation or anesthesia.
• Resume light activity after 24–48 hours unless otherwise instructed.

Smoking & Straws:

• Do not smoke or use tobacco for at least 48 hours.
• Avoid using straws, as suction can dislodge the healing clot and lead to dry socket.

Eating and Drinking

Diet:

• Start with liquids or soft foods and progress gradually.
• Avoid spicy, hard, or crunchy foods for several days.
• Keep hydrated, but avoid alcohol and hot beverages.

Helpful Tip:
Eat small, nourishing meals regularly—even if your appetite is low. Proper nutrition supports healing and helps minimize discomfort.

Skip to the Suggested Soft Foods Menu.

Oral Hygiene

Brushing:

• Brush gently, avoiding the surgical site for the first few days.
• Resume normal hygiene as soon as you're comfortable doing so.

Rinsing:

• Do not rinse or spit forcefully on the day of surgery.
• Starting day 2, rinse gently with warm salt water (¼ tsp salt in 8 oz water) 2–3 times per day.

Sutures & Healing

Sutures:

• Resorbable stitches may loosen or fall out on their own within 5–7 days.
• If they come out early and there’s no bleeding, it’s usually not a concern.
• If needed, you may trim loose sutures carefully or return for removal.

Healing Timeline:

• Day 1–2: Swelling and discomfort peak.
• Day 3+: Swelling begins to subside; diet can expand slightly.
• Day 5+: Continued improvement expected.
• Call us if you experience severe pain, swelling, or anything unexpected.

Medication & Special Instructions

Antibiotics:

• Take all prescribed antibiotics as directed and complete the course.
• If you take birth control pills, antibiotics may reduce their effectiveness—use backup contraception during this cycle.

Nausea:

• Often caused by pain medication; try taking with food and plenty of fluids.
• Small sips of clear liquids or Coca-Cola® may help.
• Call us if nausea persists.

Post-Surgery Diet Guide

Suggested Soft Foods Menu

Eating soft, easy-to-chew foods during recovery can prevent irritation and support healing. Here are patient-recommended options:

• Mashed potatoes
• Scrambled eggs
• Soft fish
• Pancakes or French toast
• Applesauce
• Soft pasta or Spaghettios
• Soups (room temperature only)
• Oatmeal or soft cereal
• Bananas
• Jello or custard
• Macaroni and cheese
• Ice cream, chopped popsicles, or Italian ice

Avoid hard, spicy, hot, or seedy foods (like popcorn or nuts) for at least a week.