Post-Operative Instuctions

Please follow these instructions carefully as they will make your postoperative healing as comfortable as possible.

COMFORT AND MEDICATION

Following all types of surgery a certain amount of discomfort can be expected. If you receive one or more prescriptions, take the first dose of the appropriate medications as soon as you arrive home after surgery and have had a chance to eat. DO NOT drink alcohol while taking the prescriptions and do not take the pain medication on an empty stomach as nausea can result. Follow the directions and note any precautions listed on the medications label carefully.

Comfort will be maintained by taking your pain medication as prescribed. Since aspirin is an anti-coagulant and can cause stomach upset, an aspirin substitute such as Tylenol, Advil, etc. can be used. Post surgical inflammation can peak at approximately 72 hours, you may notice an increase in discomfort. This is normal and the prescribed pain medications should subsequently be used as directed.

Antibiotics may be prescribed. Take them as directed on the label until ALL tablets are taken -usually 7-10 days.

NOTE:

Rare allergic reactions are a possibility with any medications. Should you begin to experience symptoms of an allergic response (itching, hives, breathing difficulties, etc,), DISCONTINUE all medications and contact Dr. Castro immediately. Should these symptoms become severe and you cannot reach the doctor, seek emergency care immediately.

DIET

It is important to follow a nutritious diet during the postoperative period and it is essential to good healing. You may eat any food you desire, but it is safest to favor soft foods while avoiding hard, chewy, spicy foods, or carbonated beverages. Be sure your diet contains enough calories and protein to keep you feeling and healing well. If you can only manage with liquids, you can supplement your diet with liquid supplements such as Ensure, Iconic, Instant Breakfast, etc., but we ask you to refrain from using a straw. By using a straw, the suction may cause bleeding. The following require little pressure to chew but contain the necessary nutrients: eggs, cottage cheese, ground meat, cooked fish, cereals, and whole wheat bread. You should continue any vitamin supplements you normally take.

Avoid physical exertion or any type of exercise the day of the procedure and the following day.

SWELLING

Apply an ice pack to the outside of your face over the treated area 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off for the first 24 to 48 hours. Swelling usually peaks at 48 to 72 hours.

BLEEDING

It is normal to have a small amount of bleeding, which will stain your saliva for a day or so following the surgery.

If continuous bleeding occurs, discontinue rinsing, avoid exertion and do the following:

Thoroughly rinse all blood clots from your mouth. MOISTEN a tea bag, gauze pad, or tissue in a glass of cool water. Place one of these moistened bags or pads on the tongue side of the site and a second one of these on the cheek side in the area of the bleeding. Hold pressure against the bleeding site with your thumb and/or forefinger. Apply continuous, firm pressure to bleeding site for 20 minutes WITHOUT removing for inspection. If bleeding persists, call Dr. Castro at the office 216-464-3456 or on his cell 216-347-9008.

ORAL HYGIENE

Your usual plaque control procedures should be continued in the non-treated areas  of your mouth the first day after surgery. It is also helpful to brush your tongue. Your mouth will feel better and your breah will be fresher if you can clean during the first week despite some soreness. Gentle rinsing with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt to one cup water) will aid in the healing. Vigorous rinsing or the use of a water-pick oral irrigator should be avoided in the surgical area for the 1st week.

FUTURE

 You will be given a postoperative appointment. This appointment should be kept as scheduled.

QUESTIONS????

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the office. After hours, Dr. Castro can be reached at the office or on his emergency number.

 

OFFICE- 216-464-3456

CELL- 216-347-9008