Welcome to our post-operative care instructions page

Following oral surgery, it’s crucial to adhere to the provided guidelines to ensure optimal healing and recovery. While we’ve aimed to cover everything comprehensively, we understand that each patient’s experience can be unique. Should you encounter any unusual occurrences or have questions regarding your post-operative care, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office. We are always here to assist you, and Dr. Calat and his team are readily available to address any concerns or emergencies that may arise. Your well-being is our priority, and we are committed to providing you with the support and guidance you need during this recovery period.

Post-Operative Instructions

BLEEDING: will be under control by the time you leave our office. Some oozing or blood-tinged saliva may persist for up to 24 hours. Should excessive bleeding occur, it may be controlled with pressure. Apply a folded gauze pad over the area and bite firmly for 30 minutes. This may be repeated if necessary. Sleeping with the head of bed elevated above the level of the heart for the first two post-operative nights will minimize bleeding and swelling.
PAIN: is best controlled by the medications prescribed. They are most effective when taken before the local anesthesia diminishes and normal sensation returns to the area. Do not take pain pills on an empty stomach. Over the counter pain medication should alleviate most pain, should be taken throughout your recovery. Narcotic pain medication such as codeine or Hydrocodone may cause nausea , vomiting , drowsiness , dizziness , itching or constipation. If these side effects occur, discontinue the medication. You may take an alternative over the counter pain medication if necessary or call our office for assistance.
SWELLING: may occur immediately and/or increase gradually over 24-48 hours. Swelling from the surgical procedure will maximize at 48-72 hours. Ice packs applied externally to the area at 20 minutes intervals throughout the day of surgery may help control swelling.
NAUSEA: may result from an anesthetic or the drugs prescribed for pain. Drinking a small glass of a carbonated beverage will generally control mild nausea.
DIET: soft foods and liquids will be required for 2-3 days following surgery. Avoid hot, spicy foods. Do not drink through a straw or smoke (if you do) for at least 24 hours. If you had surgery on only one side of the mouth, favor the other side while chewing for the first few days.
ORAL HYGIENE: should not be neglected. Brush your teeth as usual (avoiding the surgical area) and rinse with warm salt water after each meal beginning the morning after surgery.
ACTIVITY: avoid rinsing, spitting or drink with a straw for 24 hours following surgery. Activity should be restricted to a minimum for the first 2-3 days. To minimize stiffness and stimulate circulation, exercise the jaw periodically by opening and closing. Restricted jaw opening can occur and usually requires 7-14 days to return to normal. Strenuous work or exercise may promote bleeding. If you have had a general anesthetic or sedation, we must require that you be accompanied home by a responsible adult and under supervision for 24 hours. Under no circumstances are you to drive a car or operate heavy machinery for at least 24 hours.
FEVER: after surgery it is normal for the body temperature to be slightly elevated for 24 hours.
SIDE EFFECTS: such as an ear ache, hiccups, temporary ache of adjacent teeth, restricted mouth opening, stretching or cracking at the corners of the mouth or discoloration of the skin may occur postoperatively. These are temporary conditions which will improve as healing progresses.
A BLACK AND BLUE MARK and soreness occasionally develop in the area of the intravenous injection. For arm soreness, place a warm moist cloth over the area. If this persists contact our office.
NUMBNESS OF THE LIP AND TONGUE occasionally follows surgery. This is usually transient and no cause for alarm. Please contact our office, this can be discussed with your doctor.
EMERGENCIES: Please feel free to contact our office, regarding any unusual occurrences or questions. The doctor can always be reached for emergencies (such as profuse bleeding, uncontrolled pain, persistent nausea and prolonged elevated temperature).

Two Locations

Conveniently located in both Midtown Manhattan and Hoboken, NJ, our practices are easily accessible, providing top-notch oral care in comfortable, state-of-the-art facilities.

Midtown Manhattan

212-696-2677

Hoboken, New Jersey

201-659-6999