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need to take care of yourself. Your body
has been subjected to stress from anesthesia,
surgery, and some bleeding. By following
a few tips of self-care, your recovery can
be speedy and more comfortable.
What
can I eat?
Everything that you eat or drink for the
first 24 hours should be cool or cold.
Heat would increase both bleeding and
swelling. Your body needs to heal and
repair itself now so good nutrition is
more important than ever. Make sure you
get extra protein and vitamins. Besides
meat, other protein sources are peanut
butter, eggs, legumes (beans), and milk
shakes. Vitamin supplements are encouraged.
Carnation instant breakfast is good as
well as a canned product called Ensure.
Carbonated beverages should be avoided
for 24 hours. Cigarette smoke will definitely
retard healing and is more likely to result
in a dry socket
How
Do I Keep It Clean?
Like any wound, the cleaner it is kept
the better, the faster it will heal. If
teeth are near the surgery area you can
begin gently brushing the area with a
soft brush the very next day. The mouth
should be rinsed 3-4 times a day with
warm salt water the next day also (1/2
teaspoon salt in a cup of water). You
may brush the area, this is OK just be
gentle. If no teeth are present, the gums
should be cared for in a similar manner,
even using a soft brush.
What
About Bleeding?
Slight oozing is to be expected for the
first 24 hours. If you feel the oozing
is excessive, the first thing to do is
rinse with cool water and try to identify
exactly where it is coming from. Then
place a piece of gauze or cloth over the
site and apply direct, firm pressure (either
by biting or holding your finger ott it)
for a full five minutes without letting
up. Sometimes a moist tea bag works well
for this. If you feel the bleeding remains
excessive call the office.
What
About Discomfort?
if you were given a prescription please
use it as directed. It is much better
to control pain before it becomes intense
rather than waiting until you are hurting
badly and.then trying to overcome it.
However, you should wean yourself off
of the prescription medication and on
to an aspirin, tylenol, or ibuprofen product
as quickly as possible. It is common to
feel like you have a bruise for a few
days and your jaw may feel stiff to try
to open for a few days. If the pain is
severe please call the office. If you
felt OK then 2-4 days later started having
discomfort, you may be developing what
is called a dry socket and you should
be seen to have a medicated dressing placed.
We Hope your recovery
is uneventful. It has been a pleasure
serving you. Your comfort is important
to us so please do not hesitate to
call if you have any questions.
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