Post Operative Instructions to Patients Regarding Oral Surgery:

It is important that you carefully read and adhere to the following post operative instructions.

•  Leave the gauze pack(s) in place for 20 minutes after you leave the surgery.

•  If after removing the gauze pack(s) there is still some bleeding, replace with some fresh wet gauze and bite down firmly for a further 20 minutes. Repeat only if necessary.

•  It is quite normal to have a little blood in your saliva in the first few hours following surgery. If however you are concerned that there is excessive bleeding that has not been controlled by biting on the gauze packs provided please contact the clinic on (07) 5580 3555

•  You should have nothing to eat or drink for the first 2 hours following surgery.

•  In the first 24 hours:

- DO NOT rinse, spit, gargle, or drink from a straw.

- DO NOT smoke, drink hot fluids, alcohol, or fizzy drinks like Coke.

- DO NOT eat hard or chewy foods.

•  It is important to rest for the remainder of the day. If you lie down keep your head elevated with a couple of pillows. If you require a certificate for time away from work/school please ask. Strenuous exercise is best avoided for the rest of the day.

•  On the day following surgery you should gently rinse your mouth with warm salty water. You should do this first thing in the morning, last thing of an evening and after any meals. Continue this until healing has occurred.

•  Apply some ice packs for 20 minutes as many times as possible for the next 2-3 days to help minimise swelling.

•  If you have been given a prescription it is important that you take the medication as directed. If you have any queries ask your pharmacist.