After Alveoplasty (Bone Trimming)
- After having this procedure you should keep gauze in your mouth for 2 hours with good pressure. Then remove the gauze and check for bleeding. If the bleeding persists, place fresh gauze over the area with plenty of pressure for 1 hour. You may repeat this for 1 more hour if needed. Oozing is normal. Do NOT replace the gauze unless there is active bleeding.
- Once the bleeding has stopped you may resume eating and drinking. Make sure your food is not too hot, cold, spicy or crunchy as these may cause you discomfort or delay healing time. Try not to chew directly over the surgical site for a couple of weeks. It is very important to drink plenty of fluids. Try to avoid fluids with caffeine as these may dehydrate you.
- No spitting, sucking through a straw, or smoking for 48 hours.
- Begin brushing and salt water rinsing (1/2 teaspoon of salt with an 8 oz. glass of warm water) the day AFTER surgery. Rinse 3-4 times a day, after you eat and before you go to bed at night for the next several weeks, or until the surgical area has healed completely.
- Control of discomfort: Take prescribed pain medication as directed. An excellent aid in the relief of discomfort is using over the counter Ibuprofen/Motrin as well. Take as directed on the bottle. NOTE: Ibuprofen/Motrin can be used as long as there is no contraindication such as allergy or you have been instructed by your physician to avoid the use of NSAIDS. Ice the area for 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off for 72 hours.
- If you have dissolvable sutures, they can take up to 3-4 weeks to dissolve. Try not to pick or prod at them as you might irritate the surgical site. If you do not have dissolvable sutures, you will be given a follow up appointment to come back and we will remove them for you at that time.
- Some bruising may occur, but don’t be alarmed. This is a normal part of surgery and the healing process.
- Patients who received general anesthesia should return home from our office immediately upon discharge and lie down with the head elevated until all the effects of the anesthesia have disappeared. Anesthesia effects vary by individual, and you may feel drowsy for a short period of time or for several hours. You should not operate any mechanical equipment or drive a motor vehicle for at least 24 hours or longer if you feel any residual effects from the anesthesia. Do not use appliances or equipment that could be dangerous such as power tools, stoves, burners or lawn mowers. Watch out for dizziness. Walk slowly and take your time. Sudden changes of position can also cause nausea or dizziness. Do not drink any alcoholic beverages. The drugs in your body may cause your reaction to alcohol to be dangerous.