After Incision and Drainage

Please read these instructions carefully. Sometimes the after-effects of oral surgery are quite minimal, so not all of these instructions may apply. Common sense will often dictate what you should do. However, when in doubt, follow these guidelines or call our office at 973-376-1144 anytime for clarification.

Incision and drainage is a standard surgical procedure used to treat infection. Its purpose is to obtain a reduction in pressure of expanding gases and fluids in an enclosed space. As well as treating infection, this usually serves to reduce pain. The drain which is placed during the procedure may be made of either gauze or surgical grade rubber. It is used to keep the incision open so that pressure does not rebuild in the area. You will be advised as to whether or not further treatment is necessary to correct the actual cause of the infection.

Bleeding

A certain amount of bleeding is to be expected following surgery. Slight bleeding, oozing, or redness in the saliva is not uncommon in the first day. Active heavy bleeding is characterized by red blood coming from the wound or socket. The best way to control bleeding is by applying pressure with a gauze pad. Extra gauze pads were given to you by our office staff for this purpose if necessary. Moisten a gauze pad with plain water and gently wipe the bleeding point to remove any clots that may have formed. Then fold two gauze pads into a small square and lightly moisten with water. Be sure to place the gauze pads directly over the bleeding point with firm pressure before biting down. Then, bite down on the gauze pad for 30 minutes and replace as necessary until bleeding stops. At this point, if bleeding persists, you may use a teabag (soaked in warm water, squeezed damp dry, and wrapped in moist gauze) for 30 minutes. If you are unable to control heavy bleeding after two hours at home, please call our office at 973-376-1144.

Swelling

Additional swelling usually follows the incision and drainage procedure. This does not represent more infection, but is the body’s normal response to a surgical procedure. When drainage is performed in the area of the upper teeth, it is not unusual for swelling to involve the eyelid and side of the nose. DO NOT PUT ICE OR HEAT ON THE SWOLLEN AREA. The swelling will resolve over the next several days.

Oral Hygiene

After initial bleeding has stopped, you should begin to rinse your mouth with a solution of ½ teaspoon of table salt in an 8oz glass of lukewarm water. Gentle rinsing should be performed 4-5 times a day until the next visit.

Pain

Start taking pain medication as soon as you get home, before the numbness wears off. Use the OTC medication which most agrees with you, such as Tylenol, Motrin, or Advil. You may take these medications every four hours if needed. The first twelve hours are usually the most challenging in controlling pain. If OTC medication does not relieve your pain, then use the prescription medication as directed. By alternating the over the counter (OTC) meds with prescription meds every two hours during the first twelve hours, you can insure that some level of pain reliever is in your body at all times and still avoid excessive dosing.

After the first day, if there is no pain at all then there is no need to use medication. Usually some level of mild pain will persist and for that you should use the OTC medication which most agrees with you, such as Tylenol, Motrin, or Advil. The prescribed pain medicine may make you groggy and will slow down your reflexes. Do not drive an automobile or work around machinery within six hours of using these meds. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside somewhat each day. If high level pain persists after three days, it may require attention and you should call the office at 973-376-1144.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics will be given to help treat the infection. Take the pills or liquid as directed. In the event of a rash or other unfavorable reaction, call the office at 973-376-1144 as soon as possible.

Diet

Diet during the early postoperative days should be restricted to soft foods. Examples are apple sauce, mashed potatoes, yogurt, jello, pudding, scrambled eggs, strained baby foods, etc. Hot foods should be allowed to cool prior to eating. With alteration of the diet, concern must be given to the selection of foods to maintain a proper balance of nutritional factors. High calorie, high protein intake is very important A diet should not be restricted, for example, to only apple sauce or yogurt for several days. With the use of a blender, various meats and vegetables can be changed to a more suitable form. The use of Ensure, Sustagen, or Instant Breakfast may be helpful as nutritional aids in the early postoperative period.

Liquid intake is important. In the immediate postoperative period, do not use straws when drinking from a glass. The sucking motion can cause more bleeding by dislodging the blood clot. You should prevent dehydration by taking fluids regularly. Your food intake will be limited for the first few days. You should compensate for this by increasing your fluid intake.

Since you may not be able to eat your normal quantity of food at a sitting, we suggest that you eat smaller amounts more frequently. You will feel better, have more strength, less discomfort, and heal faster if you continue to eat

Follow-Up Visits

A follow-up vist will most likely occur the next day. The surgical site will be inspected and the drain may be removed at this time. Further visits will vary according to patient conditions.

It is our desire that your recovery be as smooth and pleasant as possible. If you have any questions about your progress or any symptoms you are experiencing, please call the office at 973-376-1144.