After Removal of Epulis
- Keep gauze on for 2 hours with good pressure. Then remove gauze and if bleeding persists, place new gauze over surgical site for 1 more hour. Repeat for an additional hour if needed. Oozing is normal. Do NOT replace the gauze unless there is active bleeding.
- Drink plenty of liquids, but try to avoid liquids with caffeine in them. They will only continue to dehydrate you.
- Once the bleeding has stopped, get something to eat. Make sure you stick to softer foods for the next few weeks as your gums might be tender. You can move on to more solid foods as you heal and have less discomfort. Make sure your food isn’t too hot, cold, spicy, or sharp as these might increase your discomfort or healing time.
- No spitting, sucking through a straw, or smoking for 48 hrs.
- Control of discomfort: Take prescribed pain medicated 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 you physician to avoid the use of NSAIDS.
- Some swelling can occur and is a normal part of the surgical and healing process. Ice the area for 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off for 72 hours. Take prescribed medicine as directed, but try to wait until you are tolerating solid food. The medicine, especially the one for pain, can cause nausea or vomiting. Having some food in your stomach can help to prevent this.
- If you have dissolvable sutures, they can take 3-4 weeks to dissolve, give or take some time. Try not to pick or prod at them as your 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 this is also a normal part of surgery and healing. Do not be alarmed.
- 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 (including ATV’s, dirt bikes, etc.) 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, dizziness or even fainting. Do not drink any alcoholic beverages. The drugs in your body may increase your reaction to alcohol and could be dangerous.