POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

 

NOTE: For patients who were sedated and/or took oral sedation, DO NOT:

  • Drive a car, motorcycle, motorized cart, lawn mower, etc.
  • Operate machinery or industrial equipment
  • Make important decisions or sign any legal documents
  • Take sleeping pills or drink alcoholic beverages

 

General Post-Operative Instructions:

  • Do not brush or floss the treated area for 2 weeks
  • Do not pull on, apply pressure to, or place tension on the treated area or sutures (if placed)
  • Chew foods that you can easily cut with a fork, and chew on the opposite side of your mouth
  • Gently dab any areas that may be oozing with blood with gauze
  • Some bleeding may occur for 24-48 hours
  • Swelling will peak at 5-7 days; gentle ice pack usage is recommended
  • Do not use straws, swish heavily, or spit aggressively
  • No smoking is recommended
  • Limit alcohol usage
  • Take ibuprofen tablet (600 mg) every 8 hours as needed for pain, or Tylenol if you cannot tolerate or are unable to take ibuprofen
  • Take an over-the-counter omeprazole (lowest dose once per day) for 2 weeks
  • While you are taking ibuprofen, take a probiotic (drinkable or yogurt form) during the 2-week post-operative period
  • Start your prescription rinse the day after surgery before bedtime
  • Start your antibiotics the evening of your procedure, as directed
  • If you are on birth control medication, antibiotics can make them less effective use additional precautions
  • You may take one tablet of regular-strength Tylenol for breakthrough pain in the middle of the 6– 8 hour window when you are waiting for the next dose of ibuprofen
  • Avoid sticky, hard or crunchy foods

Please Call Our Office If You Experience:

  • Excessive or uncontrolled bleeding
  • Severe pain not relieved by medication
  • Significant swelling after 7 days
  • Fever or signs of infection

Instructions for sinus involvement:

  • DO NOT blow your nose for 4-6 weeks and avoid pressure buildup, no spitting or rinsing for 24-48 hours
  • Sneeze with mouth open for 4-6 weeks
  • Avoid activities that increase sinus pressure, including heavy lifting, bending over, or vigorous exercise for at least 1–2 weeks.
  • No smoking, no suction/straws
  • Use a decongestant nasal spray like Afrin for 3 days
  • Do not use wind instruments or inflate ballons

 

Additional Instructions for sinuses:

  • Sleep with the head elevated (30–45 degrees) for the first few nights to reduce sinus congestion and swelling.
  • Maintain a soft diet and chew on the opposite side of the surgical site.
  • Expect minor blood-tinged nasal discharge or a sensation of air passing through the extraction site; this is not unusual and should improve over the first 1–2 weeks.
  • Return for follow-up at 3–7 days postoperatively to assess healing

 

Warning Signs Requiring Prompt Evaluation

  • Persistent passage of fluids from the mouth into the nose (or vice versa) beyond 2–3 weeks
  • Purulent nasal discharge, foul taste, or worsening facial pain/pressure suggesting sinusitis
  • Fever or increasing swelling