BLEEDING
Light bleeding after surgery may continue for several hours. If so, apply pressure with a moist gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30-60 minutes to control. Pink or blood-tinged saliva may be seen for 2-3 days following the procedure and does not indicate a problem
SWELLING
Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. The swelling will not become apparent until the day following surgery and reaches its maximum 2-3 days following surgery.
DIET
While numb, patients should avoid hot liquids and foods. Patients may have applesauce, pudding or Jell-o. After numbness subsides patients can progress to solid foods, chewing away from the surgical sites.
PAIN
You should begin taking pain medication while still numb. 1 or 2 Ibuprofen (Advil, Nuerofen) may be taken every 4 hours. Ibuprofen, over the counter is 200 mg. Two to three tablets of Ibuprofen may be taken every 4 hours as needed for pain unless contraindicated due to medication (ie. coumadin), if that is the case tae Paracetomol (Panadol). For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed.
ORAL HYGIENE
Mouth cleanliness is essential to good healing. Make sure to clean your mouth thoroughly after each meal. You may rinse with plain water or salt water 2-3 times a day.
ACTIVITY
Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following procedure. After the first 48 hours, you may resume activity as tolerated.
If your treatment requires a specimen sent for a pathological examination, you will be asked to return for a follow-up appointment to discuss the results with your doctor.
Biopsy results will typically be available 7-10 days following the procedure.
FOODS TO DRINK AND EAT WHILE NUMB
Water
Jello – O
Juice
Pudding
Ice Popsicles
Yoghurt
Milkshae (no straw)
Soft Foods When Numbness is Gone;
Mashed Potatoes
Pasta
Eggs
Pancakes
Creamed Cereals
Soups (be careful-not too hot)
Increase Diet as Tolerated
If you have any further queries or questions, please feel free to call our Front Office Coordinator on (07) 3369 8300.