530-626-3300After Your Surgery
Postoperative Instructions
EXPOSED SITES: If your biopsy site is outside of the mouth, keep it clean and covered. Apply antibiotic ointment to keep the site well lubricated.
ORAL BIOPSIES: Biopsies done inside the mouth may or may not have sutures. Keep the area clean and free of debris by using warm saltwater rinses. Avoid citrus and spicy foods that may irritate the biopsy area.
GAUZE: Remove the gauze pack in 30 minutes, provided this was not done in the office.
RINSING: Do not rinse your mouth the day of surgery. After 24 hours, rinse gently with a solution of warm salt water every four hours and after every meal. Mix one cup of warm water with ½ teaspoon salt. Continue rinses until your post-op appointment. Saltwater rinsing after every meal is essential for wound healing.
PAIN: You may take three (200 mg) ibuprofen or Motrin® every six hours as necessary for pain in addition to your Vicodin® or NORCO® as we have instructed. Do not take supplemental TYLENOL® with NORCO, only ibuprofen/Motrin. Pain medication should always be taken with food. DO NOT TAKE PAIN MEDICATION ON AN EMPTY STOMACH. To coat the stomach, eat soft foods such as a fruit smoothie, yogurt, scrambled eggs, pudding, applesauce, etc.
SWELLING: To reduce ordinary postoperative swelling, apply an ice pack to the face, over the extraction site, 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. Do this as much as possible for the first two days only. The swelling usually peaks on the third day. Do not apply heat within the first 48 hours.
LOCAL ANESTHESIA: The surgical area may be numb for four to six hours from the local anesthesia injection.
SMOKING: Absolutely NO smoking for at least 48 hours. Smoking will severely delay healing.
If you need to schedule a visit with the oral surgeon for an oral biopsy in Placerville or El Dorado Hills, California, contact True Oral, Facial & Dental Implant Surgery. One of our team members can help you plan your appointment with Dr. Jason Straw and answer any questions before and after your visit.
