Oral Pathology and Biopsies

Bleeding:

• Minor bleeding and oozing may continue for 1-3 days after surgery.
• Place gauze and apply pressure in the surgical area for 30-60 minutes at a time.
• Change the gauze every 30-60 minutes until bleeding slows down.
• DO NOT leave gauze packs in while sleeping, as it can be a choking hazard.
• Avoid spitting or using straws, hot foods or drinks, and high-impact activities for 3-7 days depending on the extent of surgery.
• For continued oozing, place a moistened black tea bag over the area and apply pressure for 30-60 minutes.
• Call the office or the after hours on-call surgeon if heavy bleeding continues.

Pain:

• Pain is greatest for the first 2 days and should decrease over the next 2-7 days.
• For minor pain, use over-the-counter medications, such as Tylenol (Acetaminophen), Advil or Motrin (Ibuprofen).
• For more significant pain, please use the prescribed medications as directed.
• When using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as Advil or Motrin (Ibuprofen), Aleve (Naproxen), Toradol (Ketorolac), take them after eating.
  • Monitor for any signs of gastrointestinal upset or pain and discontinue use if necessary.

Swelling & Bruising:

• It is normal to have swelling after surgery.
• Swelling increases for 2 days after your procedure and resolves in 2-10 days.
• Place an ice pack to the cheek (20 minutes on, then 20 minutes off) repeatedly for 1-2 days.
• After 2 days, moist warm compresses to the facial area may be used for comfort.
• For any bruising, apply moist warm compresses to the facial area. This will improve in about 1-2 weeks.
• Keep your head elevated 30 degrees while sleeping by lying on multiple pillows for 1-2 days.

Diet:

• Once the freezing wears off and bleeding has slowed down, begin with a cold liquid diet.
• Start with clear fluids and advance to a soft diet that can include juice, Jell-O, ice cream, yogurt, smoothies, soup, etc.
• Avoid hot foods and beverages for 2 days.
• If you experience nausea, use over-the-counter medication, like Gravol.

After IV Sedation or General Anesthesia

• Do not drive a motorized vehicle or perform any activity requiring a high degree of concentration or care for 24 hours.
• If you continue experiencing drowsiness or dizziness, avoid strenuous activity and have supervision.
• Supervision, by a responsible adult, is needed for 24 hours after your surgery with any form of anesthesia.
• Do not drink alcohol or take any sedatives, since they may prolong the effects of the medications given.

Other Instructions:

• Please do not smoke for at least 7 days after your procedure.
• Brush your teeth up to the surgical area, carefully — you must keep your mouth clean to avoid infection.
• Begin gentle rinsing of your mouth with warm salt water or the recommended rinsing solution after each meal.
• Most sutures or stitches are dissolvable and melt on their own between 5-14 days, depending on the type of sutures.
• If you experience hives, a rash, or itching, discontinue the prescribed medication and promptly contact your surgeon. You can reach the clinic or contact an on-call surgeon using the numbers below.