Restrict activities the day of and after surgical treatment. Typically patients return to work, school, etc the following day. It is in your best interest not to participate in any physical activities such as sports for approximately four days after the surgery. No lifting over 10 LBS.
You may experience some discomfort after the anesthetic wears off. Please take the pain medication prescribed to you as needed. If discomfort persists after taking the prescribed medication, you may need to alternate between 3 Advil (Ibuprofen) and the prescribed pain medication every 4 to 6 hours. Take all medications with a full glass of water or food.
You may be given a prescription for an antibiotic. You should take the medication as directed for the number of days indicated, but if itching, skin rash, diarrhea occur discontinue the medication and call the office. Consult your pharmacist or the doctor if any questions arise.
Important:
A removable hard plastic stent may be fabricated to act as a rigid bandage. We ask that you wear this for at least 4 days; after which you may choose to leave it in or take it out, depending upon your comfort level. DO NOT TRY TO LOOK AT THE GRAFT SITE BY PULLING ON LIPS OR CHEEKS. THIS WILL CAUSE THE GRAFT TO FAIL.
In some cases swelling may occur and increase in the first few days. This is your body's natural healing response. Swelling can be reduced by applying an ice pack on the face near the surgical site for the first 48 hours (20 min. on and 10 min off). This is most effective when used immediately after the surgery.
Some bleeding or oozing is normal and should be expected for the first 24 hours after the surgery. If moderate-excessive bleeding is noted, apply firm pressure with damp gauze or a damp tea bag to the area for 20 minutes. If the bleeding cannot be controlled please call the office. Remember, most of the blood you may see in your mouth is actually a little bit of blood mixed with a lot of saliva—blood is a very strong “dye” and a little of blood will color your saliva dramatically.
If you have a sinus lift procedure it is imperative that you DO NOT BLOW YOUR NOSE for the first several weeks on the side or sides of the surgery as this can dislodge the graft. It is also common for you to have some sinus congestion and or nasal bleeding from the side of the sinus graft for 1 to 2 weeks post-op. Please use a decongestant like Sudafed as directed. Sleep somewhat inclined. For the first 2 nights after the procedure, sleep with your head propped up with 2 pillows
Do not brush your teeth in the area where the surgery was preformed for one week. After two weeks, you may brush the surgical areas gently using a x-soft toothbrush given to you. Brush your other teeth as normal. If Peridex Rinse has been prescribed, begin by rinsing one day after your surgery, twice a day, for two weeks. Separate Peridex and brushing by about 30 min. Toothpaste counteracts the Peridex Rinse. NO FLOSSING FOR ONE MONTH.
Successful treatment requires your cooperation; please follow your post-operative instructions. Following the surgery, your body will begin to heal by forming a clot. This clot must stay in place during healing. Therefore we request that you refrain from spitting, smoking, sucking through a straw, or drinking carbonated beverages. These activities can dislodge the clot and cause bleeding. If there are any emergencies, please call the office. Office: 972.390.9944
After hours, if no one answers the phone please leave a message. Messages will be checked periodically by Dr. Cueva.
FIRST DAY: SOFT / COLD
SECOND - FIFTH DAY: SOFT / WARM
SIXTH DAY: NORMAL FOOD
NO (for two weeks)