After Aveoloplasty (Bone Trimming)

• After having this procedure you should keep bandages in your mouth for 2 hours with good pressure.  Then remove the bandages 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.

• 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 increase 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 caffiene in them 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.  The tissue can be aggressive during the healing process.  To keep the tooth exposd you will need to dip a Q-tip in the salt water rinse and gently push the tissue back away from the tooth every time you do your rinses.

• Ice the area for 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off for 72 hours.  Take prescribed medicine as directed.

• If you have dissolvable sutures, they can take up to 3-4 weeks to dissolve.  Try not to pick 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.

• If there are drains in your mouth around the tooth you will have a funny taste in your mouth.  DO NOT pull it out.  Try to leave it alone  The drain will be removed at your 1 week follow up appointment.

• 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.