What to Expect

BLEEDING: Bite down gently but firmly on the gauze pack(s) that has been placed over the surgical area(s), making sure it remains in place. Do not change the gauze for ½ hour unless the bleeding is not being controlled. If active bleeding persists after ½ hour, place a new, cold dampened gauze pack over the surgical site for another 45-60 minutes. The gauze may be changed as necessary. It is normal for the gauze to be pink or tinged with blood when you discard it. DO NOT SPIT, DO NOT RINSE, DO NOT USE A STRAW for the first 24 hours. The purpose of the gauze is for pressure.

ORAL HYGIENE: Do not disturb the surgical area today. Do not rinse for 24 hours or probe the area with any objects or your fingers. You may brush your teeth gently. DO NOT SMOKE for at least 72-96 hours since it is detrimental to healing. Cleanliness after surgery is a cardinal “must” for a rapid and uncomplicated recovery. Food left in the wound sites delays healing and invites infection. After 24 hours rinsing with ¼ teaspoon of salt dissolved in an 8 oz. glass of warm water will help keep the area clean. Repeat as often as you like, but at least two to three times daily for the next week.

SWELLING: To minimize swelling apply a cold pack or ice bag wrapped in a towel to face (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) for the first 48 hours. Stiffness of the jaws may accompany swelling. This may be extended to aid in comfort measures.

DISCOMFORT: Unfortunately, most oral surgery is accompanied by some degree of discomfort. You may have a prescription for pain medication, and if you take the first dose before the anesthetic has worn off, you will be able to manage any discomfort better. Effects of pain medicines vary widely among individuals. If you do not achieve adequate relief, you may supplement each pill with an over-the-counter pain medicine such as Tylenol (Acetaminophen) or Advil (Ibuprofen). Remember that the most severe discomfort is usually within the first 12-24 hours after the anesthetic wears off; after that your need for medicine should lessen. Nausea is not an uncommon event after surgery, and it is sometimes caused by stronger pain medicines. Nausea may be reduced by preceding each pill with a small amount of soft food then taking the pill with a glass of water. Try to keep taking clear fluids and minimize the pain medication but call us if you do not feel better or if vomiting is a persistent problem. Cola drinks that have less carbonation may help with nausea.

Please be aware that the Hydrocodone, Tylenol with Codeine and Percocet all contain Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen is the same medication as the active ingredient in Motrin and Advil. It is important that you do not exceed the maximum recommended dosages for either of these medications if you are taking any additional over the counter medications along with the prescription medications. It is imperative that you follow the narcotic prescription details provided by the pharmacist and remember narcotics provide pain relief but can have addictive properties if taken inappropriately.

DIET: Follow your own inclination as to diet, but for your own comfort stick to a soft diet. Begin by eating soft foods or liquids such as soup, soft-boiled eggs, cereals, etc. As soon as possible, change to solid food. Keep taking adequate nourishment. A diet high in protein and complex carbohydrates is best. Try not to skip a single meal. If you are diabetic, maintain your normal eating habits as much as possible and follow instructions from us or your physician regarding your insulin schedule.

DRIVING: Do not drive or operate machinery for 24 hours after anesthesia or while taking prescription pain medication.

COMPLICATIONS: If problems develop or you have questions about your surgery, please contact us.

BLEEDING: In most cases, there will be minimal bleeding since the wound is often closed with sutures. If used, the sutures are usually the dissolving type that will fall out on their own 5–10 days after surgery. Some bleeding and oozing may be expected during the first 24 hours. Bite down gently but firmly on the gauze pack(s) that has been placed over the surgical area(s), making sure it remains in place. Do not change the gauze for ½ hour unless the bleeding is not being controlled. If active bleeding persists after ½ hour, place a new, cold dampened gauze pack over the surgical site for another 45-60 minutes. The gauze may be changed as necessary. It is normal for the gauze to be pink or tinged with blood when you discard it. The

SWELLING: To minimize swelling apply a cold pack or ice bag wrapped in a towel to face (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) for the first 48 hours. Stiffness of the jaws may accompany swelling. This may be extended to aid in comfort measures.

ORAL HYGIENE: Do not disturb the surgical area today. Do not rinse for 24 hours or probe the area with any objects or your fingers. You may brush your teeth gently. DO NOT SMOKE for at least 72-96 hours since it is detrimental to healing. Cleanliness after surgery is a cardinal “must” for a rapid and uncomplicated recovery. Food left in the wound sites delays healing and invites infection. After 24 hours rinsing with ¼ teaspoon of salt dissolved in an 8 oz. glass of warm water will help keep the area clean. Repeat as often as you like, but at least two to three times daily for the next week.

DIET: Follow your own inclination as to diet, but for your own comfort stick to a soft diet. Begin by eating soft foods or liquids such as soup, soft-boiled eggs, cereals, etc. As soon as possible, change to solid food. Keep taking adequate nourishment. A diet high in protein and complex carbohydrates is best. Try not to skip a single meal. If you are diabetic, maintain your normal eating habits as much as possible and follow instructions from us or your physician regarding your insulin schedule.

DISCOMFORT: Unfortunately, most oral surgery is accompanied by some degree of discomfort. You may have a prescription for pain medication, and if you take the first dose before the anesthetic has worn off, you will be able to manage any discomfort better. Effects of pain medicines vary widely among individuals. If you do not achieve adequate relief, you may supplement each pill with an over-the-counter pain medicine such as Tylenol (Acetaminophen) or Advil (Ibuprofen). Remember that the most severe discomfort is usually within the first 12-24 hours after the anesthetic wears off; after that your need for medicine should lessen. Nausea is not an uncommon event after surgery, and it is sometimes caused by stronger pain medicines. Nausea may be reduced by preceding each pill with a small amount of soft food then taking the pill with a glass of water. Try to keep taking clear fluids and minimize the pain medication but call us if you do not feel better or if vomiting is a persistent problem. Cola drinks that have less carbonation may help with nausea.

Please be aware that the Hydrocodone, Tylenol with Codeine and Percocet all contain Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen is the same medication as the active ingredient in Motrin and Advil. It is important that you do not exceed the maximum recommended dosages for either of these medications if you are taking any additional over the counter medications along with the prescription medications. It is imperative that you follow the narcotic prescription details provided by the pharmacist and remember narcotics provide pain relief but can have addictive properties if taken inappropriately.

PATHOLOGY RESULTS: : In most cases, the sample removed during the biopsy will be sent to a pathologist for further examination. The pathologist will provide a report to us of the results. Typically, you can expect to receive the results within 2 weeks.

What should the surgery site look like?

Typically, there may be a “hole” or open socket where the tooth was, and you may have some dissolvable stitches. This hole is filled with a blood clot, which is dark maroon in color. Over several days this clot may change to a light-yellow color, which is an entirely normal part of the healing process. Often times, patients mistake this whitish-yellow clot in the socket for pus from an infection, which it is not. The gum tissue around the surgical site is typically reddish in color and puffy for several days, which is normal.

What should I eat?

Follow your own inclination as to diet, but for your own comfort stick to a soft diet. Begin by eating soft foods or liquids such as soup, soft-boiled eggs, cereals, etc. As soon as possible, change to solid food. Keep taking adequate nourishment. A diet high in protein and complex carbohydrates is best. Try not to skip a single meal. If you are diabetic, maintain your normal eating habits as much as possible and follow instructions from us or your physician regarding your insulin schedule.

My mouth is still bleeding. Is this normal?

The majority of bleeding has stopped within 1 hour after oral surgery. It is important to note that the surgical site will ooze a very small amount of blood for 24 hours. You may taste this blood and your saliva will always be reddish or tinged with blood during this initial 24-hour time, which is entirely normal. Once you have arrived home after your surgery, you should take the gauze out of your mouth. This gauze may be saturated with blood. You may replace this gauze pack with another cold, damp gauze pack(s). Make sure you replace with enough gauze, so that when you bite down, it will be creating pressure on the wound(s). You should only have to place more gauze over the surgical sites if you have severe bleeding, which is extremely uncommon. Severe bleeding is defined as enough bleeding that you cannot speak because your mouth is filled with blood. Light spotting may be seen for 2-3 days following surgery.

I am feeling very nauseated, and I am vomiting.

Some patients experience nausea and vomiting after surgery and general anesthesia. The two main causes for this are either a side effect to the general anesthetic or more commonly, a reaction to the narcotic analgesic medicine (Percocet or Hydrocodone). Nausea and vomiting that occurs after taking your pain medicine is usually due to the unfortunate side effect of the narcotic. You should try to take your pain medicine with food to lessen the chance of this happening or simply substitute Ibuprofen (Advil) for the narcotic pain medicine. This nausea and vomiting can last for many hours after taking a single dose of narcotic. If your symptoms persist, the doctor may prescribe medicine to treat this problem, if appropriate.

Is it supposed to hurt after surgery? What if my surgery was a few days ago?

All surgery is associated with some degree of pain, from mild to severe. If your surgery was more extensive, then you will have more post-operative pain, unfortunately. Normally, the pain intensity peaks 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. Taking your medicine as directed by the doctor will help reduce this pain to a tolerable level. It is important to realize that no pain medicine will eliminate all pain, however, it should reduce the pain. Common pain control medicines include anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen and narcotic analgesics, such as Percocet or Hydrocodone. Typically, we suggest that you start taking the over- the-counter Ibuprofen (Advil) medication as directed (every 6-8 hours) and Acetaminophen (Tylenol). These over-the-counter medications can be staggered with the timing described above.

Effects of pain medicines vary widely among individuals and sometimes a prescription such as a narcotic may be prescribed by the doctor for individuals expected to experience greater pain, depending on the type of procedure performed. Should you start taking a narcotic, you should discontinue the over-the-counter Acetaminophen (Tylenol). You may continue to take Ibuprofen (Advil) or anti-inflammatory while taking the narcotic.

Please be aware that the Hydrocodone, Tylenol with Codeine and Percocet all contain Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen is the same medication as the active ingredient in Motrin and Advil. It is important that you do not exceed the maximum recommended dosages for either of these medications if you are taking any additional over the counter medications along with the prescription medications. It is imperative that you follow the narcotic prescription details provided by the pharmacist and remember narcotics provide pain relief but can have addictive properties if taken inappropriately. Pain and tenderness after oral surgery can often last for a week and in some cases longer than that. Patients often are aware that their discomfort is worse at night. Usually, Ibuprofen (Advil) or the narcotic analgesic is sufficient to treat this. You may find that you have to take several doses of Ibuprofen (Advil) or Acetaminophen (Tylenol) throughout the day during the first 1 to 2 weeks of your recovery. However, it is important to note that generally the pain intensity and severity should decrease in the days following your procedure. Pain that suddenly worsens a few days after surgery is not considered normal and may indicate that an infection or dry socket is developing.

I had my surgery 2 days ago. Why is my face even more swollen today and I can hardly open my mouth?

All surgery is associated with postoperative swelling, especially oral surgery. The peak of the swelling does not occur until at least 2 days following the surgery. This swelling often extends into the opening and closing muscles of the jaws, which causes you to have stiffness and difficulty opening your mouth. You may not be able to open your mouth much more than one fingerbreadth. This gradually improves over the course of 1 to 2 weeks.

What is a dry socket?

A “dry socket”, or alveolar osteitis, is condition in which the blood clot that normally forms in the socket dissolves too early. This condition is most common in smokers and women who take birth control pills. The typical presentation of a dry socket is a patient that begins to feel better and then experiences a sudden worsening of their pain 3 to 4 days after surgery. This pain is almost always associated with a lower tooth, is severe and constant and often feels like the pain is radiating up to the ear. Pain medicines are not very effective for this condition. Fortunately, dry socket is not that common, and the doctor can place medicated packing in the socket to help significantly reduce the pain.

What about infection? Could I have an infection?

The incidence of infection after oral surgery is only about 3%, so antibiotics are not routinely prescribed. A low- grade fever (below 100 degrees Fahrenheit) after surgery and anesthesia is normal. Also, oral temperatures can be falsely elevated after oral surgery and are of little diagnostic value. If the rare infection does occur, it almost never occurs immediately after surgery, it usually takes a minimum of 72 hours, but are usually present around the 2-week time frame and can be seen to a month out of surgery. Signs of infection include the following: a sudden severe increase in pain after the initial surgical pain had started to decrease, high fever (greater that 101 degrees Fahrenheit), a sudden increase in facial swelling after the initial surgical swelling has gone down, pus flowing from the surgical site, or a sudden, severe difficulty in swallowing or breathing. Any of these signs or symptoms should prompt you to call the office immediately.

Hygiene: Caring for your teeth after surgery

It is important to keep your mouth clean by brushing your teeth starting the evening following your surgery. Use caution when brushing near the surgical site(s). In addition, rinse your mouth with saltwater until you can fully brush over the wound site(s), which can typically start 4-5 days after the surgery.

The single most important thing to remember for this procedure is to take it easy for a few days. If you are having an implant done, you may be able to return to light activities on the day after surgery. If you are having multiple implants placed, you should plan to take a few days off from work.

BLEEDING: There is usually only a small amount of bleeding following implant procedures. Bite down gently but firmly on the gauze pack(s) that has been placed over the surgical area(s), making sure it remains in place. Do not change the gauze for 1/2 hour unless the bleeding is not being controlled. If active bleeding persists after 1/2 hour, place a new, cold dampened gauze pack over the surgical site for another 45-60 minutes. The gauze may be changed as necessary. It is normal for the gauze to be pink or tinged with blood when you discard it. Do NOT spit, do NOT rinse, and do NOT use a straw for the first 24 hours.

ORAL HYGIENE: Do not disturb the surgical area the day of your procedure. Do not rinse for 24 hours or probe the area with any objects or your fingers. You may brush your teeth gently but do NOT floss the surgical area for 2 weeks. DO NOT SMOKE for at least 72-96 hours since it is detrimental to healing. Cleanliness after surgery is a cardinal “must” for a rapid and uncomplicated recovery. Food left in the wound(s) delays healing and invites infection. After 24 hours rinsing with 1/4 teaspoon of salt dissolved in an 8 oz. glass of warm water will help keep the area clean. Repeat as often as you like, but at least two to three times daily for the next week. Sometimes a prescribed antibiotic oral rinse is given if saltwater rinses are not requested.

SWELLING: To minimize swelling apply a cold pack or ice bag wrapped in a towel to face (20 minutes on -20 minutes off) for the first 24-48 hours, when you are not sleeping. Stiffness of the jaws may accompany swelling.

DISCOMFORT:Unfortunately, most oral surgery is accompanied by some degree of discomfort. You may have a prescription for pain medication, and if you take the first dose before the anesthetic has worn off, you will be able to manage any discomfort better. Effects of pain medicines vary widely among individuals. If you do not achieve adequate relief, you may supplement each pill with an over-the-counter pain medicine such as Tylenol (Acetaminophen) or Advil (Ibuprofen). Remember that the most severe discomfort is usually within the first twelve to twenty-four hours after the anesthetic wears off; after that your need for medicine should lessen. Nausea is not an uncommon event after surgery, and it is sometimes caused by stronger pain medicines. Nausea may be reduced by preceding each pill with a small amount of soft food then taking the pill with a glass of water. Try to keep taking clear fluids and minimize the pain medication but call us if you do not feel better or if vomiting is a persistent problem. Cola drinks that have less carbonation may help with nausea.

Please be aware that the Hydrocodone, Tylenol with Codeine and Percocet all contain Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen is the same medication as the active ingredient in Motrin and Advil. It is important that you do not exceed the maximum recommended dosages for either of these medications if you are taking any additional over the counter medications along with the prescription medications. It is imperative that you follow the narcotic prescription details provided by the pharmacist and remember narcotics provide pain relief but can have addictive properties if taken inappropriately.

DIET: Follow your own inclination as to diet, but for your own comfort stick to a soft diet. Begin by eating soft foods or liquids such as soup, soft-boiled eggs, cereals, etc. As soon as possible, change to solid food. Keep taking nourishment. A diet high in protein and complex carbohydrates is best. Try not to skip a single meal. If you are diabetic, maintain your normal eating habits as much as possible and follow instructions from us or your physician regarding your insulin schedule.

DRIVING: Do not drive or operate machinery for 24 hours after anesthesia or while taking prescription pain medication.

COMPLICATIONS: If a problem develops, or you have any questions regarding your surgery, please do not hesitate to call the office.

These special instructions are designed for YOUNG CHILDREN to age 14. If your child is over 14 years old, they will be given adult instructions. Follow these instructions carefully, as they will help to make the recovery period shorter and more comfortable.

DO NOT disturb the wound. In doing so, you may invite irritation, infection, and bleeding.

MILD BLEEDING may be controlled by placing a folded gauze the size of the thumb and dampened with cold water, against the socket and biting down firmly for 30 minutes. Have the child sit upright and remain calm and quiet. If more profuse bleeding occurs, place a cold, dampened tea bag over the bleeding area and bite down firmly. If you are unable to control excessive bleeding or swelling, please CALL this office.

HYGIENE: After 24 hours, the mouth should be rinsed gently and the teeth given their usual brushing, if this can be done comfortably. To help minimize the chance of post-operative INFECTION, both oral and total body hygiene are extremely important. Bathing is not contra-indicated when having oral surgery.

DIET: Follow your own inclination as to diet, but for your own comfort stick to a soft diet. Begin by eating soft foods or liquids such as soup, soft-boiled eggs, cereals, etc. As soon as possible, change to solid food. Keep taking adequate nourishment. A diet high in protein and complex carbohydrates is best. Try not to skip a single meal. If you are diabetic, maintain your normal eating habits as much as possible and follow instructions from us or your physician regarding your insulin schedule.

DISCOMFORT: Use Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil) as needed for post-operative discomfort. Follow the instructions on the bottle, but if a special prescription has been given for pain control, use as directed. Typically, we suggest that you start taking the over-the-counter Ibuprofen (Advil) medication as directed (every 6-8 hours) and Acetaminophen (Tylenol). These over-the-counter medications can be staggered with the timing described above. If nausea presents, give one ounce of carbonated water, such as ginger ale or 7-Up every hour for 5 to 6 hours. This can be followed with a mild tea, clear soup, jello, etc. If nausea and vomiting become a persistent problem, then you must call the office for guidance or possible medication.

Please be aware that the Hydrocodone, Tylenol with Codeine and Percocet all contain Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen is the same medication as the active ingredient in Motrin and Advil. It is important that you do not exceed the maximum recommended dosages for either of these medications if you are taking any additional over the counter medications along with the prescription medications. It is imperative that you follow the narcotic prescription details provided by the pharmacist and remember narcotics provide pain relief but can have addictive properties if taken inappropriately.

SWELLING: An ice bag or cold pack may be applied as tolerated. To help minimize swelling, assuming a semi-upright bed position at home after surgery using two pillows is helpful for the first 24-48 hours after surgery.

ACTIVITY: Avoid over-fatigue or strenuous exercise for several days following surgery. Gym and athletic activities should be set aside during the healing period. Unless specifically stated by the doctor, use your own discretion as to when the child should return to school and other daily activities. If your child feels normal, is not running a fever, and is not in any distress, by all means, let them return to normal activities and school.

After any dental extraction, inevitably, a variable amount of bone is lost over a short period of time (usually 3-4 months). To minimize this bone loss and augment your existing bone, oftentimes in preparation for a Dental Implant, your doctor has performed a socket bone graft or ridge preservation procedure. Most commonly, this is done by filling the extraction socket defect with mineralized human bone or other similar material. This bone material has the consistency of and feels like coarse sand.

During the healing period there are several rules that must be obeyed to ensure successful healing. Please follow these rules listed below:

1. Do NOT vigorously rinse in the area of the graft for at least 10-14 days. The graft has not completely solidified yet and it is possible to lose the entire graft by rinsing.
2. Do NOT disturb or poke anything into the area of the graft.
3. The sutures will dissolve on their own, usually within the first 5 to 14 days, depending upon the type of dissolvable sutures that were used.
4. Clean the teeth directly adjacent to the surgical site with a cotton swab and a small amount of toothpaste. Do not brush this area until instructed to do so by the doctor.
5. Take your medication exactly as prescribed and be sure to finish any antibiotics if your doctor prescribed one for you.
6. To minimize swelling apply a cold pack or ice bag wrapped in a towel to face (20 mins on, 20 mins off) for the first 24-48 hours. Stiffness of the jaw may accompany swelling. After 48 hours switch over to a warm compress to face.
7. Mild bleeding may be controlled by placing a folded gauze the size of the thumb, dampened with cold water, against the socket and biting firmly for 30 minutes.

Please note that it is normal to periodically feel like there are a few small grains of sand in your mouth during the first week after your surgery. A small amount of the graft is inevitably lost, but it is considered insignificant.

If the above rules are followed, the majority of the graft will be maintained.

After 8 to 10 weeks healing, your doctor will usually re-evaluate the area to determine

If your MAXILLARY SINUSES, that is the sinuses contained in your upper jaw, are involved through either a tooth extraction or some other form of oral surgery, please follow these instructions so that healing will occur without complications. These instructions will help you to obtain better healing. However, if your sinus was previously infected, or you had a sinus condition prior to your surgery a PERSISTENT OPENING from the sinus to your mouth may require future surgery or treatments. Please follow these instructions:

WOUND CARE: Hold the gauze pack that has been placed over the wound for at least 2 HOURS and change as needed. If active bleeding persists, place a new, cold dampened gauze pack over the surgical site for another 45- 60 minutes. It is normal for the gauze to be pink or tinged with blood when you discard it. Do NOT spit, do NOT rinse for the first 24 hours.

DO NOT BLOW YOUR NOSE, as this may dislodge the blood clot that has developed in the wound and initiate bleeding. If prescribed, use nasal spray to clear the nasal passages on the affected side. AFRIN nasal spray may be used if nose drops have not been prescribed. DO NOT SNEEZE through your nose, as the pressure created may dislodge the blood clot that is forming in your mouth. If the urge to sneeze arises, sneeze out of your mouth, so that no pressure will bear on your sinuses. If there is a need to cough, cough with your mouth open.

ANTIBIOTIC: Please take as directed. While you may not have an infection, it is easy to develop a sinus infection from bacterial contamination from your mouth. The antibiotics are designed to prevent this infection.

ACTIVITY: AVOID HEAVY EXERCISE, swimming, or any activity that would increase your breathing rate and potentially increase sinus pressure. If you are a smoker, AVOID SMOKING during the healing period. Smoke in your mouth, nose and sinuses will delay healing and will reduce your chance of an uneventful repair. Avoid bending over—putting your head in a low position, as this increases sinus pressure.

HYGIENE: Give your teeth their normal brushing and care, keeping the mouth clean. Begin rinsing with a SALINE SOLUTION (1/2 teaspoon salt with eight ounces of water) following the day of surgery. At first RINSE GENTLY, letting the rinse run out of your mouth to avoid spitting. If the mouthwash or rinse comes out of your nose when rinsing, be gentler.

SWELLING: To minimize swelling, apply a cold pack or ice bag wrapped in a towel to face (20 minutes on- 20 minutes off) for the first 24-48 hours. Stiffness of the jaws may accompany swelling.

DISCOMFORT: Unfortunately, most oral surgery is accompanied by some degree of discomfort. You may have a prescription for pain medication, and if you take the first dose before the anesthetic has worn off, you will be able to manage any discomfort better. Effects of pain medicines vary widely among individuals. If you do not achieve adequate relief, you may supplement each pill with an over-the-counter pain medicine such as Tylenol (Acetaminophen) or Advil (Ibuprofen). Remember that the most severe discomfort is usually within the first twelve to twenty-four hours after the anesthetic wears off; after that your need for medicine should lessen. Nausea is not an uncommon event after surgery, and it is sometimes caused by stronger pain medicines. Nausea may be reduced by preceding each pill with a small amount of soft food then taking the pill with a glass of water. Try to keep taking clear fluids and minimize the pain medication but call us if you do not feel better or if vomiting is a persistent problem. Cola drinks that have less carbonation may help with nausea.

Please be aware that the Hydrocodone, Tylenol with Codeine and Percocet all contain Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen is the same medication as the active ingredient in Motrin and Advil. It is important that you do not exceed the maximum recommended dosages for either of these medications if you are taking any additional over the counter medications along with the prescription medications. It is imperative that you follow the narcotic prescription details provided by the pharmacist and remember narcotics provide pain relief but can have addictive properties if taken inappropriately.

DIET: Follow your own inclination as to diet, but for your own comfort stick to a soft diet. Begin by eating soft foods or liquids such as soup, soft-boiled eggs, cereals, etc. As soon as possible, change to solid food. Keep taking nourishment. A diet high in protein and complex carbohydrates is best. Try not to skip a single meal. If you are diabetic, maintain your normal eating habits as much as possible and follow instructions from us or your physician regarding your insulin schedule.

DRIVING: Do not drive or operate machinery for 24 hours after anesthesia or while taking prescription pain medication.

COMPLICATIONS: If a problem develops, or you have any questions regarding your surgery, please do not hesitate to call the office.