It is very important not to disturb the graft. Please follow the precautions listed below:

If you must sneeze, do so with your mouth open to avoid any unnecessary pressure in the sinus area.

You may have some bleeding from the nose. This is not uncommon and should stop within a day or two. Please call the office if this occurs.

If you feel congested, over-the-counter antihistamines or decongestants, such as Claritin D (12 or 24 hours), may be taken. It is also suggested that you avoid nasal sprays unless they are saline. If you are unsure about taking this medication, please speak to Dr. Sansevere or your physician.

To minimize swelling apply ice 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, throughout the first day.  It is not uncommon to have some swelling from these procedures. To minimize swelling apply ice 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, throughout the first day. Swelling usually peaks between days two and three. After 48 hours you may switch from ice to moist heat.

Sutures were placed to control bleeding and to aid in the healing process. Do not lift or pull up your lip to look at the stitches. The sutures will usually dissolve in 5-10 days.

Unfortunately most oral surgery is accompanied by some degree of discomfort.

Pain medication – Take the first pill before the anesthetic has worn off. This will enable you to manage your discomfort more effectively. If you do not achieve adequate pain relief, you may supplement each pill with an analgesic, such as Tylenol (acetaminophen), or Advil/Motrin (ibuprofen). The effects of medicines very widely among individuals. Please call the office if the pain is not controlled.

Please do not drink alcoholic beverages, drive a car or operate machinery while taking prescribed pain medication.

Antibiotics – Take antibiotics on the specified dosing schedule. Yogurt with active cultures and/or acidophilus may be taken while on antibiotics to help minimize gastrointestinal side effects. If you develop severe cramping and/or diarrhea please notify the office.

If you are on birth control pills, please be advised that antibiotics and other medications can and may neutralize the preventive effect of birth control pills, allowing for conception and pregnancy. Please consult your physician to initiate additional forms of birth control during the period of treatment.

Anti-swelling medication – If Dr. Sansevere prescribed medication to help control swelling, please take the medication on the specified dosing schedule.

Food selection is largely a matter of your choice. It is recommended that you confine the first day/week’s intake to soft foods (creamed soups, puddings, yogurt, milk shakes (no straw), macaroni and cheese, pasta, ice cream, etc.). Over the next several days you can progress to solid foods at your own pace. Eating a nutritious diet throughout your healing process will help you feel better.

If you are diabetic, maintain your normal eating habits as much as possible and follow instructions from us, or your physician regarding your insulin schedule. You may need to test your blood sugar more frequently during the first 48 hours post-operatively.

Begin your normal oral hygiene routine as soon as possible after surgery. Soreness and swelling may not permit vigorous brushing of all areas, but please make every effort to clean your teeth within the bounds of comfort.

Keeping your mouth clean after surgery is essential. Do not rinse the day of surgery. Beginning day two, mix ¼ teaspoon of salt in an 8-ounce glass of warm water and gently rinse two or three times daily for the next week.

Dr. Sansevere and his staff wish you a smooth and pleasant recovery. Following these instructions will assist in your post operative healing. If you have any questions please call the office during office hours for a faster response. A 24-hour answering service is available for after hours contact with the doctor.