General Post Operative

PO BROCHURE

Our goal is providing you with the highest degree of surgical care as well as speedy and full recovery. Here are some instructions that could help you in your recovery. Remember if any unusual problem arouses or you need immediate care go to the nearest emergency room and call our office.Please read the following instructions carefully. They will help you to understand the normal process and reactions following your surgery and help to keep you as comfortable as possible. Surgery of the mouth requires careful attention to post operative instructions.

MEDICATIONS:Patients taking medications to relieve pain or other drugs that may impair reflexes should not operate machinery, cars, et, while taking these drugs. Antibiotics should be taken as directed until thisprescription runs out. Antibiotics may impair the efficiency of oral contraceptives for the duration of the present cycle.

ANTIBIOTIC:If you were given a prescription for antibiotics like Penicillin, Clindamycin or Keflex, take it as prescribed. It may be advisable to take it after each meal and one before bedtime. Continue taking the antibiotics until they are finished, usually in 5-7 days after surgery.

ALLERGIC REACTION: If an allergic reaction occurs, like a rash, hives, or itching occurs, stop taking the medication and call our office or your physician. If difficulty breathing occurs, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room, because you need immediate emergency medical care. You could consider taking 25 mg of Benadryl (an anti-histamine) to alleviate the problem, but remember you cannot drive after you take that as it can cause some degree of drowsiness. Always consult your doctors before taking any medications or if you also take other medications, consult a pharmacist.

PAIN MEDICATION: Having pain after your surgery is expected and common. Pain may last up to two weeks after surgery. It is highly recommended to take two Advil or Motrin immediately when you get home.Keep the narcotic pain medications for bedtime.

Pain medication such as Tylenol # 3 or Ibuprofen 800mg may be prescribed if needed. Take them as indicated on the prescription. The initial dose may take up to an hour before is effective. (For this reason the first dose of your pain medication should be taken before the local anesthetic wears off.) For mild discomfort, you may need to take Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, etc. When taking he pills, be sure to drink liquids prior to help prevent an upset stomach. If you develop itching, rashes or hives, stop all meditations and call our office.The prescription may not control all of you pain the first few days after surgery. When taking narcotic containing pain medications, DO NOT DRIVE A CAR OR OPERATE ANY MACHINERY. These medications can make you drowsy and impair your performance.

ANTI-SWELLING MEDICATION: When an anti-swelling medication such as Medrol or Decadron (Dexamethasone) is prescribed your face may feel warm and appear red. This is a side effect of this medication and is not an allergy. To correct these problems discontinue the medication. It will take a few days for the symptoms to disappear. Occasionally these medications can cause hiccups as well.

PRESCRIPTION MOUTH WASH: Do not rinse or spit during the first 24 hours after your surgery. You should begin rinsing with warm salt water. (One half a teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water) 24 hours after the surgery. Do not rinse more than 4 times a day. Avoid excessive vigorous rinsing. This should be done 3 to 4 times a day – for at least 2 weeks after surgery. If you were given a special mouthwash such as Chlorohexidine (Peridex) start using it 24 hours after your surgery. Rinse your mouth with that only twice daily since this mouthwash will stain your teeth.

OTHER MEDICATION: Continue other medications (such as your blood pressure medications, insulin, etc), which you may have been taking routinely before your treatment in our office (unless otherwise directed) If antibiotics have been prescribed, please continue and complete the entire dosage. Warning: Antibiotic may inhibit the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.

Always consult your pharmacist for drug interactions, as the consequences of drug interaction could be extremely dangerous to your health.

INTRAVENOUS INJECTION SITE: If you have had intravenous sedation involving a needle in your arm then the following can occasionally happen; bruising,redness, pain, numbness or swelling at the needle site in your arm. Please contact our office if this happens. This results from irritation of the vein by the medications. It is usually treated by warm compresses over the area. This is done with a warm moist face cloth. It will take a few days to disappear.-Infection of the intravenous site. This can be very serious if it happens. Usually this is extremely tender and warm to touch. You may also notice a red line going up your arm.

ACTIVITY AFTER ANESTHESIA: Due to the medications that you have received you must be accompanied home by a friend or relative and should not attempt to drive an automobile, ride a bike, or operate any type of machinery for at least 24 hours after the surgery. Initially you will feel drowsy and will only feel like sitting in a chair or lying in bed. Your activity level can slowly be increased to normal levels as you become more alert. The aim should be for moderate exercise the day after surgery, as tolerated.

If you have any questions please call us at

610-667-6161

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