Post-operative Instructions
These instructions apply to the surgical procedure just completed. They are designed to help you minimize post-surgical discomfort and inform you of any situation that may require special attention.
activity
After leaving the office, relax for the remainder of the day keeping your head above your heart. Avoid heavy lifting and physical activity which would cause an increased heart rate for at least 48 hours.
Swelling
Mild swelling and bruising may occur. Swelling can be minimized by placing an ice pack over the treated area, on the outside of the face. You may continue to use ice for 24-36 hours after surgery alternating on and off at 20-minute intervals.
bleeding
Slight bleeding or blood-tinged saliva for up to 48 hours after surgery is within normal limits. If you notice a “flow” of blood coming from the site, use gauze to apply a firm compress over the area which is bleeding. Apply steady pressure for 30 minutes. Placing a moistened tea bag over the area may be effective as well. If the bleeding persists, call the office at 563-239-1997 during business hours or contact Dr. Morarend at 319-621-0763 outside business hours.
eating
Maintaining a healthy, soft diet with plenty of liquids is important during the healing process. Avoid hard foods like chips, nuts and popcorn and favor the opposite side of the mouth during eating. Avoid drinking through straws, vigorous swishing, and spitting.
Dressing
The dressing (which acts as a bandage) may be used to protect the surgical site and help reduce discomfort. If the dressing comes off or is uncomfortable, please call the office for direction. In most cases, the dressing does not need to be replaced.
sutures
Do not attempt to inspect the surgical site as pulling of the oral tissues can compromise healing. Sutures will be removed at a post-operative appointment in 7-14 days, unless otherwise instructed. If you notice a loose or missing suture prior to this time, it is not urgent. Please contact us during regular business hours for instruction.
Smoking
Do not smoke during the post-surgical period (at least for 48 hours) as wound healing will be delayed. Ask us about treatment options to help you quit smoking.
Oral Hygiene
Do not brush near the surgery site and use a mouth wash if one was prescribed to keep the surgical area clean while it heals. Make sure to brush and floss the unaffected areas of your mouth as usual. Do not disturb the surgical area until further instructions are provided by Dr. Morarend at your post-operative visit.
Medications
If you were prescribed an anxiety medication prior to surgery (i.e. Halcion), do not drive, operate machinery, watch children or make any serious decisions for 24 hours.
Dr. Morarend may prescribe medications following surgery. If medications are prescribed, follow the instructions on the bottle and avoid alcohol while taking. If an adverse reaction occurs, (nausea, itching, swelling, severe diarrhea), stop taking the medication and contact the office immediately.
- Antibiotic – If prescribed an antibiotic, begin taking the antibiotic the day of surgery and continue taking until it is gone. Antibiotics can interact with some medications, be sure to consult your pharmacist.
- Mouth rinse – Begin using after surgery as prescribed to keep the area clean during healing.
- Over the counter anti-inflammatory pain relievers – Please verify with your physician that you are cleared to take anti-inflammatory pain relievers. While acetaminophen and ibuprofen are typically safe, not everyone should take them. Talk to your doctor if you have kidney, digestive, bleeding or liver problems, or if you’re taking other medications. Your pharmacist or primary care physician can review your other medications and health conditions to check for any issues. – Ibuprofen: Typical dosing is up to 800 mg of ibuprofen every 6 hours as needed. Follow the maximum dosage guidelines on the bottle. – Tylenol: Typical dosing is 325-650 mg of acetaminophen every 6 hours. Follow the maximum dosage guidelines on the bottle.
*If approved to take over the counter pain relievers, you may alternate dosages of ibuprofen and acetaminophen separated by 3 hours. Create a schedule when alternating medications.
An alternating dosing schedule of 3 hours for an adult may look like this:
- 6AM Ibuprofen
- 9AM Tylenol
- 12PM Ibuprofen
- 3PM Tylenol
- 6PM Ibuprofen
- 9PM Tylenol
Once pain is controlled, medications should be reduced or discontinued. This pain management regimen is intended for the control of post-operative pain and is not intended to be a long-term solution.
Contact Us
These instructions are for your comfort, safety and to help prevent possible complications following surgery. In the event you need to reach Dr. Morarend, please call the office at 563-239-1997 during business hours. If after business hours, you may call or text Dr. Morarend on his cell phone at 319-621-0763. Please keep all post-operative appointments.