Post-Op Instructions | Beaches Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

After your surgery, adhere to these instructions to enhance your comfort, facilitate healing, and minimize potential complications.

Please read all items carefully!

Actual Day of Surgery

Anesthesia

Many patients prefer intravenous sedation for relaxation during the procedure. However, it typically takes three to four hours for the sedative medications to completely clear your system after surgery. You'll receive prescriptions for antibiotics, anti-swelling, and pain medications during your visit.

Nausea

If nausea persists for more than two hours after returning home, please contact our office at (904) 246-6545 with your pharmacy's phone number, and we'll arrange medication to alleviate the nausea.

Diet

Maintain a soft or liquid diet for seven days post-surgery to prevent soft tissue damage or suture disruption. On the surgery day, avoid citric acid products (orange juice, grapefruit juice, lemonade, and tomato juice). Refrain from using a straw and avoid rinsing or spitting.

Swelling

Apply an ice pack to the outer face near the surgical site(s) to minimize swelling. Use the ice pack for 10 to 20 minutes on and 10 to 20 minutes off on the day of surgery. If swelling persists the next day, switch to warm, moist heat like a hot water bottle, avoiding heating pads to prevent skin dryness.

Head Elevation

Keep your head elevated with two pillows on the day of surgery and avoid sleeping on the same side as the surgery. This practice helps minimize swelling.

Gauze

You'll have a gauze pack over the surgical site when leaving our office. Change the gauze every fifteen to thirty minutes for the first two hours, then as needed to stop bleeding. Bite firmly on the gauze to aid in clotting.

Post-Surgery Care Instructions: Day Two to Day Seven

Oral Hygiene

Begin warm salt water rinses three to four times daily (One teaspoon of salt in an 8-ounce cup of lukewarm water). Gently swish and spit. Avoid using water picks. Maintain this regimen for one week.

For one-stage patients, use a Q-tip dipped in peroxide on silver caps.

Sutures

Your surgical site is closed with sutures. These will be removed approximately seven to 14 days after the surgical procedure.

Discomfort and Recovery

You may experience some discomfort, swelling, bruising, and pain for the next two to three days, which is normal and will improve over time.

Removable Appliances

For patients wearing removable appliances (e.g., partial dentures), Dr. Landis or Dr. Harper will provide specific instructions on their use. In many cases, the prosthesis will be adjusted and soft-lined. Our staff will periodically replace this liner.