Post-operative Instructions

Following our post-operative instructions will ensure optimal healing after your procedure and reduce the risk of complications. Below are general post-operative instructions, more specific instructions for the type of procedure you had performed will be given to you in writing on the day of your procedure.

Day of surgery

1. Ice packs should be applied to your face over areas operated on, 10 on, 10 minutes off, to prevent pain and swelling. Good ice packs include small bags of frozen vegetables (such as frozen peas), or wet washcloths frozen in plastic bags.
2. Melt ice chips in your mouth.
3. Take your prescriptions.

Prescriptions

1. Antibiotic, take the entire prescription as directed.
2. Medication for the pain to be taken when required for comfort. Do not drive, operate household or heavy machinery, or sign legal documents when taking a narcotic.
3. A medicated mouth rinse, to be used as directed.
4. If you have a reaction to any medications prescribed, discontinue use and contact, Dr. Shumaker, or Dr. Allen immediately.

After packing Falls off

1. Saltwater rinse (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water), 2 x a day.

Brushing

1. Brush and floss as you normally do, avoiding surgical site and areas with packing material.

Packing

1. Pink material protecting wound (may discolor).
2. Packing needs to stay on 2-3 days. It will fall off on its own. It is ok if it stays on longer.
3. Never remove the packing yourself, (unless visibly loose).
4. If packing falls off before 2-3 days, call us to have it replaced.

Bleeding

1. The surgery site may ooze for several hours after the procedure.
2. If bleeding is excessive soak a black tea bag (Lipton) with cold water and apply pressure to the area for 45-60 minutes.
3. If bleeding persists, contact Dr. Shumaker,or Dr. Allen

Sinus Precautions (If you had sinus procedures)

1. No nose blowing for two weeks
2. DO NOT hold a sneeze in (open your mouth when you sneeze)
3. Take all medications as prescribed by , Dr. Shumaker, or Dr. Allen

Eating

1. Maintain good fluid and food intake for optimal healing. Soft but nutritious foods.
2. Stay on a soft diet for at least 2-4 weeks. Do not chew on the area where surgery took place. Avoid hard, crunchy, sticky foods, or biting straight into anything at the surgical area. No chips, popcorn, nuts, sandwiches, hamburgers, or pizza. If you make smoothies avoid putting things with seeds or small particles in them.
3. Ideas for soft foods include: Soups, pastas, ground meat, refried beans, eggs, applesauce, milkshakes, yogurt, mashed potatoes, Jell-O, pudding, and cottage cheese.
4. No using a straw or drinking carbonated beverages for 3-4 days. Avoid hot foods/drinks for 3-4 days.
5. For dental implants, if healing caps were placed DO NOT chew on them (do not use them like teeth) for at least 2 months.
6. For full mouth same day dental implants (All-on-4) or Immediate temporization on a single implant: You MUST stay on a soft diet for at least 2 months to reduce the risk of implant failure.

If you have questions, please ask our team at 970-207-4061 (Fort Collins) or 970-351-6166 (Greeley) or by email at office@nocoperio.com (Fort Collins), Greeley@nocoperio.com (Greeley).