South Florida OMS Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

These are general instructions. More detailed information is in the "services" section. However, the full instructions will be provided during your consutation in the office.

Preoperative Instructions for Patients Undergoing Intravenous Sedation or General Anesthesia

1. Get your prescriptions filled and bring the medications to your appointment.
2. The night before your surgery have a normal dinner at your regular evening mealtime.
3. Eat no solid food (including full liquids like milk, cream and juices with pulp) for 8 hours before your appointment. This is extremely important for your safety. If you have any solids in the eight hours before the surgery it could lead to a severe life-threatening situation.
4. Take any nighttime medications that you normally take or that were prescribed for the night before surgery.
5. You may drink clear liquids (including water, jello, apple juice, soda, clear broth, weak tea, black coffee and Popsicles) up to six hours before your appointment. If clear liquids are taken in the 6-8 hours before your appointment, you must drink 8 ounces (one cup) of water as the last thing, at least six hours before surgery.
6. You may not have anything to eat or drink (including water) for six (6) hours prior to the appointment.
7. Take any morning medications that you normally take or that were prescribed for the morning before surgery with a sip of water.
8. A responsible adult must accompany the patient to the office, remain in the office during the procedure, and drive the patient home. Post-operative homecare instructions will be discussed with your "responsible adult" so that they can care for you at home afterwards.
9. The patient should not drive a vehicle or operate any machinery for 24 hours following the anesthesia experience.
10. Please wear loose fitting clothing with short sleeves, and low-heeled shoes. Contact lenses, jewelry, and dentures must be removed at the time of surgery.

Please take all prescriptions as directed and take pain medications if you are experiencing pain. Pain medications can cause side effects and nausea and should not be taken if there is no pain.

Women please note: Some antibiotics may interfere with the effectiveness of your birth control pills. Please check with your pharmacist.

Care After Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

1. Keep fingers and tongue away from surgical area.
2. Use ice packs on surgical area (side of face) for first 48 hours, apply ice 20 minutes on - 10 minutes off. Bags of frozen peas work well.
3. For mild discomfort take Tylenol or Ibuprofen every four to six hours as instructed.
4. For severe pain use the prescription given to you.
5. Drink plenty of fluids. (Do not use a straw)
6. If the muscles of the jaw become stiff, chewing gum at intervals will help relax the muscles. The use of warm, moist heat to the outside of your face beginning on the third day will further help with relaxation of the muscles.
7. Diet may consist of soft foods which can be easily chewed and swallowed. No seeds, nuts, rice, popcorn, etc.
8. A certain amount of bleeding is to be expected following surgery. Bleeding is controlled by applying pressure to the surgical area for 90 minutes. Then you may eat or drink. If bleeding persists, a moist teabag should be placed in the area of bleeding firmly for one hour straight. This will aid in clotting blood. Repeat if necessary. If bleeding still persists call our office.
9. We suggest that you do not smoke for at least 5 days after surgery.

Feel free to contact us if any doubt arises as to your progress and recovery.

Post-Op Instructions

A certain amount of bleeding, pain, and swelling is normal. Reduce your activity as much as possible for several hours. Avoid eating, drinking, and unnecessary talking. These activities may hinder proper healing in the first few hours.

Do not be alarmed if your vision is blurred for a time following anesthesia or if a "black and blue" bruise should appear at the site of an injection. The arm also may be "black and blue", swollen and tender to touch due to the IV.

Follow the simple instructions below to minimize complications and help ensure prompt recovery.

To control bleeding

Immediately following procedure. . .keep a steady pressure over the surgical site. Pressure helps reduce bleeding and permits formation of a clot. Gently remove the compress after one hour. If bleeding persists, place another compress and again keep steady pressure on the area for one hour.

After 24 hours... some oozing of blood may persist. If necessary, use a moist tea bag instead of the gauze. After bleeding has stopped, cautiously resume oral hygiene.

Immediately following procedure... begin taking medication as directed by your doctor to minimize discomfort when the anesthesia wears off and feeling is back to normal. Application of an ice bag can also help relieve discomfort.

To minimize swelling and discomfort

Immediately following procedure. . .apply an ice bag over the affected area. Use 20 minutes on and 10 minutes off for 24 hours to help prevent development of excessive swelling and discomfort. If an ice bag is unavailable, simply fill a heavy plastic bag with crushed ice. Tie end securely and cover with a soft cloth to avoid skin irritation. Frozen bags of peas make wonderful ice packs and can be refrozen and used repeatedly.

After 24 hours. . . it should not be necessary to continue with cold applications. You may expect swelling for 7-10 days and a fever of 99 degrees F to 100 degrees F.

If anti-inflammatory medication was prescribed by your doctor, begin taking the medication with food immediately after the procedure and continue as directed. Take the prescribed narcotic medication only if you experience significant pain. If you were not prescribed any anti-inflammatory medication and you do not have a known allergy to Aspirin or Ibuprofen (Motrin), you can take 600 mg of Ibuprofen (Motrin) every six hours to control mild to moderate pain.

Oral hygiene is important

Oral hygiene is important

24 hours after surgery, rinse mouth gently with a solution of one-half teaspoonful of salt dissolved in a large glass of water. Repeat after every meal or snack for seven days. Rinsing is important because it removes food particles and debris and thus helps promote healing. Brush tongue with a dry toothbrush to keep bacteria growth down, but be careful not to touch the surgical site.

Resume your regular tooth brushing, but avoid disturbing the surgical.

Maintain a proper diet

Have your meals at the usual time. Eat soft, nutritious foods and drink plenty of liquids - with meals and in between. Have what you wish, but be careful not to disturb the blood clot. Add solid foods to your diet after 4-5 days when they are comfortable to chew.

In case of problems

If you should have any problems such as excessive bleeding, pain, or difficulty in opening your mouth, call our office immediately for further instructions or additional treatment.

Remember your follow-up visit

It is often advisable to return for a postoperative visit to make certain healing is progressing satisfactorily. In the meantime, maintain a healthful diet, observe rules for proper oral hygiene, and call our office if you have any questions