Swallow your saliva to stop the residual bleeding and speed healing.
Do NOT spit for one week.
Do NOT drink through a straw for one week.
Do NOT blow your nose for one week.
Do NOT sneeze through your nose for one week. If you have to sneeze, open your mouth and sneeze out so as not to put too much pressure in your sinus.
Do NOT play any wind instruments for one week.
Do NOT smoke cigarettes, pipes, or cigars.
Do NOT open your mouth widely to prevent pulling on the sutured site. Do not run your tongue over the sutured site.
THEN…
Do NOT wear your denture or any prosthesis that would touch the surgical site for one to two weeks. We will instruct you when you may resume wearing your denture at your post-operative follow-up appointment.
Avoid swimming and strenuous exercise for at least one week.
Eat a soft or liquid diet. Chew on the opposite side of your mouth as much as possible. Do not eat hot temperature food during the first week.
Continue to brush your teeth but avoid the surgical area.
Rinse your mouth two times a day with Chlorohexidine mouth wash—after brushing your teeth in the morning and after brushing your teeth at night. Do not eat, drink or rinse your mouth after using the medicated rinse. You may substitute Chlorohexidine with warm salt and water rinse (one teaspoon of salt in an 8 oz. glass of water).
LAST…
It is not uncommon to have a slight amount of bleeding from your nose for several days.
Use all medications as directed.
You may use nasal decongestants, such as over-the-counter Sudafed tablets or Afrin nasal spray, to keep your passages dry, especially if you have noticed continued drainage or feel the need to blow your nose.
Please contact our office if you experience the following.
Increase in swelling and pain after 3 days.
Unexpected flow of air or liquids between your mouth and nose.
Bone graft particles discharging through your nose
Sinus or nasal congestion on the side of the surgical area