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First 24 Hours

On the Day of Your Surgery

  1. On your way home: Have you filled your pain medication prescription? If not do so now. Wait to take the medication until you have completed steps 2-6 to follow.
  2. When you first arrive home: For the first 30 minutes keep firm, continuous pressure on the gauze over the Surgery site. Afterwards, remove gauze. If bleeding has not stopped, place fresh gauze in your mouth. Bite down with firm, continuous pressure for another half hour. Remove gauze. Blood may ooze slightly after gauze is removed. A pinkish tinge to your saliva is normal. Rest with head elevated, in a recliner chair or with extra pillows. Expect to sleep most of the day.
  3. Apply ice packs to the face over the Surgery area to reduce swelling. Begin ice during the first hour and continue for 24 hours. Follow a schedule of 15 minutes on then 15 minutes off. The ice is effective in reducing swelling only during the first 24-36 hours although swelling may continue for several more days.
  4. In the first few hours after surgery: Drink a carbonated beverage to help settle your stomach. DO NOT USE A STRAW. A straw creates suction which could break down the blood clot at the surgery site, prolong bleeding and delay healing. Smoking causes a similar problem.
  5. DO NOT SMOKE.
  6. Drink a cold milk product about half an hour after the carbonated beverage. We recommend a milkshake. This helps minimize nausea that pain medication may cause. Those allergic to milk products may try juices or cold soup. After you drink the product recommended above, take the first dose of pain medication as directed on the label. Continue to take medication as prescribed throughout the day.
  7. Drink fluids frequently. Wake younger children every hour to have them drink fluids. This will minimize nausea. Begin eating very soft foods today if it is comfortable.
Important During the First 24 Hours:
  • DO NOT RINSE YOUR MOUTH
  • DO NOT SPIT
  • DO NOT SMOKE
  • DO NOT DRINK WITH A STRAW
  • DO NOT BRUSH YOUR TEETH

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