After Upper Frenectomy
- Keep dampened gauze in for 2 hours with good pressure. Then remove gauze and check surgical area for bleeding. If bleeding persists, place fresh dampened gauze over the area with good pressure for 1hour. Repeat for 1 more 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. You can eat whatever you would like, however, do not bite into anything for a few weeks until the area has healed. Make sure your food isn’t too hot, cold, spicy, or sharp as these might increase your discomfort or healing time. You should also stay away from citrus foods.
- No spitting, sucking through a straw, or smoking for 48 hrs.
- 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. Begin brushing and salt water rinsing (½ tsp salt with 8oz 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.
- Some swelling can occur and your upper lip might have a “duck beak” appearance. This 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 stomach may 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 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 might occur, but don’t be alarmed. This also 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 (including ATV’s, dirt bikes, etc.) for at least 12 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.