Surgical Instructions

After Soft Tissue Biopsy and Frenectomy

Bleeding

Bleeding should be minimal after surgery. However, a small amount of oozing would be expected.  Avoid vigorous rinsing, spitting, smoking and drinking through a straw for the first day after surgery, as all of these will disturb the wound and cause bleeding. Assume a semi-upright position.  Use two pillows in bed. If bleeding occurs, apply constant pressure with a gauze pad over the surgical site (under the lip, under the tongue, in between the cheek and gum). Change the pad every 10 to 15 minutes for the first 30 minutes. Repeat as necessary. If significant bleeding still continues, call our office for advice.

Swelling

Swelling and bruising are normal reactions to surgery, and vary from patient to patient and from one surgery to another. You may use an ice pack on your face next to the surgical site. Alternate 20 minutes with ice and 20 minutes without ice. After the first 36 hours, ice will not have much effect on swelling, but may make the surgical site feel better. Swelling usually reaches its maximum about 3 days after surgery.

Infection

Most surgical procedures in healthy patients have a low risk of developing an infection. Some patients may be placed on antibiotic medication. If Drs. Fraser and Michaels prescribe medication, it is important to follow the directions and take the medication until it is completely gone. An antibiotic oral rinse may also be prescribed and should be used as directed. If you develop hives or a rash, discontinue all medication and contact our office immediately. There may be a slight elevation in temperature for 24 to 48 hours after surgery. This is a normal body response to surgery. If fever persists, please notify our office.

Pain

After any surgical procedure, swelling and some discomfort are anticipated. This varies considerably from patient to patient, even after identical procedures. This normally reaches its peak with in 48 hours after surgery, then starts to decrease. If you have only minor pain, try an over-the-counter drug, such as Tylenol, Advil, or Aleve. Avoid aspirin and aspirin- containing products, as these interfere with blood clotting. If you have been given a prescription for a stronger pain medication, have it filled at a pharmacy convenient for you and take the medication as directed by Drs. Fraseer and Michaels. The pain medication may make you drowsy, so you should not drive a car or perform any important tasks while taking the medication.  The pain medication should never be taken on an empty stomach. If you develop hives or a rash, discontinue all medication and contact the office immediately.

 Nausea

Post-operative nausea is usually due to swallowing a small amount of blood during and/or after surgery. A small amount of carbonated drink, such as 7-Up or ginger ale every hour for 5 or 6 hours will usually relieve this feeling. Sometimes pain medications can cause nausea. If nausea continues, contact our office.

 Diet

A no chew diet is recommended for the day of surgery. Avoid crunchy, spicy, or acidic foods, which may irritate the surgical site. Following this, you may eat and drink normally. Try to avoid the surgical site when eating. Do not use a straw when drinking. If you had a lingual frenectomy (under your tongue), it is necessary to start using your tongue the next day. If you had a labial frenectomy (under your lip), avoid biting into foods like a sandwich for a few days. You may resume normal physical activity on the following day.

 Oral Hygiene

You should rinse your mouth gently with warm salt-water solution 5 or 6 times a day. You may begin this as soon as you get home if there is no bleeding. Continue this for the first week after surgery. You may brush your teeth after surgery, but avoid the treated area for a few days. The cleaner you keep your mouth, the faster and easier the surgical site will heal.

Smoking

Smoking is a great irritation to surgical sites in the mouth and will significantly increase discomfort. Smoking delays healing and will increase the risk of infection of the surgical site. Smoking should be avoided or greatly reduced during the healing period.

If there is any concern about any event following surgery, please call our office.