Thank you for coming to our office for your oral surgery treatment! Your treatment continues until healing is complete, and unavoidable post-operative complications may arise at night, weekends or holidays. You will be contacted by phone following your surgery, as we will make sure you are comfortable and answer any questions, should they arise.

We will arrange for emergency service if any problem arises. The after hours emergency telephone number is (909) 337-0705. Our 24 hour voice mail system will allow you to page Dr. Bialecki, or the Doctor on call.

THINGS TO EXPECT:

SWELLING: This is normal following a surgical procedure in the mouth, as well as the possibility of temporary tissue discoloration. The swelling should reach its maximum in 24 to 48 hours and diminish by the fourth post-operative day. To help prevent swelling, apply a damp towel filled with crushed ice over the affected area, on and off every twenty minutes. Continue for three hours. Prolonged use of ice is of no value.

DISCOMFORT: The most discomfort you will experience will be during the period that sensation returns to your mouth. Before the anesthetic wears off, take the pain medication as prescribed.

HEMORRHAGE: Bleeding or "oozing" for the first 12-24 hours is to be expected. The gauze pack in your mouth should be left in place 30-45 minutes after you leave the dental office. Do not chew on the pack. If bleeding continues after the pack is removed, follow this procedure:

1. Fold a piece of gauze into a pad thick enough to bite on.
....Dampen the pad and place it directly on the extraction site.
2. Hold this pack in place firmly for 20 minutes, so that no blood escapes.
3. Repeat this procedure as necessary.

THINGS TO DO: (You MUST follow these directions exactly as given)

DIET: A liquid or soft diet may be necessary for the first two days. This should include soups, shakes, cereals, mashed potatoes and other soft nutritious foods. Avoid rice, cottage cheese, alcoholic beverages and hot or spicy liquids. Begin eating solid foods as SOON as you can chew comfortably. An adequate fluid intake of at least two quarts a day is essential. If you are troubled by nausea and vomiting, call Dr. Bialecki for advice.

MEDICATIONS: Take ALL medications as directed. The medications are prescribed to control pain and prevent infection. If you have prolonged or severe pain, call Dr. Bialecki BEFORE increasing your dosage.

MOUTH RINSE: Do NOT rinse the day of surgery. The day AFTER the extraction, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water (one-half a teaspoon salt in one glass of warm water). Do NOT rinse vigorously. Rinse at least every three hours, as this will quicken healing and keep food particles out of the extraction site.

THINGS NOT TO DO:

1. Do not apply heat to the face at any time. This will increase swelling.
2. Avoid spitting--this may cause bleeding.
3. Avoid strenuous physical activity for at least 24 hours. This includes swimming and bowling and other sports in which one becomes winded. Physical activity causes bleeding as blood pressure rises.
4. No smoking or drinking alcoholic beverages for one week following surgery.