Welcome to our post-operative instructions page. We are committed to providing you with the highest quality of care, and we want to make sure that you have a smooth and uneventful recovery. Please review the following instructions carefully and do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
Pain Management & Swelling
- Take any prescribed pain medication as directed.
- If you are experiencing severe pain, please call our office immediately.
- Swelling is also a normal side effect of oral surgery.
- Apply ice pack 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off for 24 hours only.
- After 48 hours, you may switch to using warm compresses.
- Swelling should subside within a few days or weeks.
Eating And Drinking
- Eat a soft diet for the first few days after surgery.
- Avoid chewing on the surgical side of your mouth.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
- Avoid using straws or smoking, as this can dislodge the blood clot and cause bleeding.
- Do not drink alcohol or drive for the rest of the day of surgery (if you have had intravenous anesthesia) or while taking pain pills.
Oral Hygiene
- No rinsing or spitting, no straws or smoking for the first 24 hours.
- Warm saltwater rinses starting the day after surgery (4 times daily, For one week, after meals and at bedtime). (1/2 tsp. salt for 8 ounces of water).
- Avoid brushing or rinsing your teeth near the surgical site for 24 hours.
- After 24 hours, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day.
- You may brush your teeth as usual but be gentle around the surgical site.
Activity
- Get plenty of rest after surgery.
- Avoid strenuous activity for the first few days.
- Elevate your head when sleeping to reduce swelling.
- Replace your gauze pad every 30 minutes only if there is active bleeding
- Do not lie down or go to sleep with gauze in your mouth
Follow-Up
- You will need to schedule a follow-up appointment with your surgeon to check on your healing.
- Be sure to attend all of your follow-up appointments.
If you have an emergency, call (856)778-8686 for Voorhees, (856)778-8686 for Moorestown, or Mullica Hills at (856) 788-8686. If the office is closed, you can contact Dr. Chad E. Rebhun by calling his emergency number at (617) 942-0563. Please leave a voice mail with your name, the nature of the emergency and your phone number and the doctor will then return your call.