QUICK LINKS

• Before General Anesthesia
• After Wisdom Tooth Removal
• After Exposure of an Impacted Tooth
• After Tooth Extraction
• After the Removal of Multiple Teeth
• After Placement of Dental Implants

More Information

For more information on oral and maxillofacial surgery in the Chandler, AZ area, please give us a call at 480-726-6600.

Surgical Instructions

Before General Anesthesia

• You may not have anything to eat or drink (including water) for six (6) hours prior to the appointment.
• No smoking at least 12 hours before surgery. Ideally, cut down or stop smoking as soon as possible prior to the day of surgery.
• A responsible adult must drive the patient home.
• The patient should not drive a vehicle or operate any machinery for 24 hours following the general anesthesia experience.
• Please wear loose fitting clothing with sleeves that can be rolled up past the elbow, and tennis shoes.
• Contact lenses and jewelry must be removed at the time of surgery.
• Do not wear lipstick, makeup, or nail polish on the day of surgery.
• If you have an illness, such as a cold, sore throat, stomach or bowel upset, please notify the office.
• If you take routine oral medications, please check with Dr. Fish prior to your surgical date for instructions.

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After Wisdom Tooth Removal

The removal of impacted teeth is a serious surgical procedure. Post-operative care is very important. Unnecessary pain and the complications of infection and swelling can be minimized if the instructions are followed carefully.

Replace gauze pack, every one-half hour, until bleeding is under control. Do not disturb the surgical area with your tongue, tooth-brush, or mouth rinse for the first 24 hours. The head should be elevated approximately 30º when lying down.

Swelling is a normal event after surgery. Apply ice to the face over the surgical area, as soon as possible. To help limit the total extent of swelling, ice should be continued for 48 hours. No ice is to be applied after the first 48 hours. In some cases, discoloration of the skin follows swelling. The development of black, blue, green, or yellow discoloration is due to blood spreading beneath the tissues. This is a normal post-operative occurrence, which may occur 2-3 days post-operatively. Moist heat applied to the area may speed up the removal of the discoloration.

After 48 hours, heat should be applied to the face, whenever possible to hasten the resolution of swelling. Heat should be continued as long as swelling remains. Moist heat (wet towel) is most effective.

Physical exertion or exercise should be avoided during the first 4-5 days, as this may result in increased bleeding. After the first 24 hours, exercise of the jaw will reduce muscle tightness.

Medications, including that for pain will be given. These should be taken in accordance with the instructions on the bottles. Unless otherwise contraindicated, Ibuprofen or Aspirin may be taken to reduce the total number of prescription narcotics, which may cause nausea in some patients. Eat before taking pain medications. If a rash, itching, nausea and vomiting, fainting, or temperature over 102º occurs, all medications should be discontinued and the doctor notified immediately. Antibiotics can potentially decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills for an entire cycle.

Diet during the first 24 hours should be limited to a liquid or soft diet. Clear liquids such as a broth, Jello or fruit juices cause less accumulation of debris in the mouth. It is important to have at least two quarts of liquid (water, etc.) each day to avoid dehydration. Alcohol, carbonated beverages, smoking should be avoided since they may damage the blood clot at the surgical site. The use of straws should be avoided since the suction created may increase bleeding. After the first 24 hours, you may increase your diet according to what you can tolerate. If chewing is difficult, Instant Breakfast, four servings daily, is and excellent supplement.

Bleeding is normal after surgery. Bleeding is best controlled by the use of pressure. Pressure can be applied by using moistened gauze or moistened tea bags placed directly over the surgical site and maintained with either finger pressure or biting pressure continuously for 30 minutes. Repeat as necessary. A small amount of oozing may occur for several hours or even a few days after surgery and should not be alarming.

Rinse Mouth three or four times daily after 24 hours. The best rinse is made by adding 1/2 teaspoon of salt to an 8 oz. glass of warm water.

Brushing Teeth should be resumed after 24 hours to keep the mouth clean. A clean mouth heals more rapidly with fewer complications.

Patients who have had general anesthesia or intravenous sedation should avoid driving or operating machinery for at least 24 hours. Patients taking narcotic pain medication should not drive or operate machinery.

Careful attention to and compliance with post operative instructions will add to your comfort and hasten recovery. If you have questions at anytime, the doctor can be contacted 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, through our emergency number, 480-726-6600.

Other Complications

• If numbness of the lip, chin, or tongue occurs, there is no cause for alarm. As stated before surgery, this is usually temporary in nature. You should be aware that if your lip or tongue is numb, you could bite it and not feel the sensation. So be careful. Call Dr. Fish if you have any questions.
• Slight elevation of temperature immediately following surgery is not uncommon. If the temperature persists, notify the office. Tylenol or ibuprofen should be taken to reduce the fever.
• Prior to surgery, you were not able to eat or drink, and taking pain medications can make you dizzy. Therefore, you could get light headed when you stand up suddenly. Before standing up, you should sit upright for one minute and then proceed to get up. When you stand up, it is best ot have someone with you. If you feel light headed, lie down immediately. Occasionally, patients may faint after surgery.
• Occasionally, patients may feel hard projections in the mouth with their tongue. They are not roots; they are the bony walls, which supported the tooth. These projections usually smooth out spontaneously. If not, they can be removed by Dr. Fish.
• On rare occasion if the corners of your mouth are stretched, they may dry out and crack. Your lips should be kept moist with an ointment such as vaseline.
• Sore throats and pain when swallowing are not uncommon. The muscles get swollen. The normal act of swallowing can then become painful. This will subside in 2-3 days.
• Stiffness (Trismus) of the jaw muscles may cause difficulty in opening your mouth for a few weeks following surgery. This is a normal post-operative event, which will resolve in time.

Finally

Sometimes sutures may be placed in the area of surgery to minimize post-operative bleeding. Occasionally they may become dislodged, but this is no cause for alarm. Just remove the suture from your mouth and discard it.

The pain and swelling should increasingly subside each day following surgery. If your post-operative pain or swelling worsens, or unusual symptoms occur, call the office for instructions.

Your case is individual, no two mouths are alike. Do not accept well-intended advice from friends. Discuss any problem with the person best able to effectively help you, which is Dr. Fish.

Brushing your teeth is okay - just be gentle at the surgical sites.

A dry socket is when the blood clot gets dislodged prematurely from the tooth socket. Symptoms of pain at the surgical site and even pain to the ear may occur 3-5 days following surgery. Call the office if this occurs.

Back to Top ↑

 

After Exposure of an Impacted Tooth

The removal of impacted teeth is a serious surgical procedure. Post-operative care is very important. Unnecessary pain and the complications of infection and swelling can be minimized if the instructions are followed carefully.

Replace gauze pack, every one-half hour, until bleeding is under control. Do not disturb the surgical area with your tongue, tooth-brush, or mouth rinse for the first 24 hours. The head should be elevated approximately 30º when lying down.

Swelling is a normal event after surgery. Apply ice to the face over the surgical area, as soon as possible. To help limit the total extent of swelling, ice should be continued for 48 hours. No ice is to be applied after the first 48 hours. In some cases, discoloration of the skin follows swelling. The development of black, blue, green, or yellow discoloration is due to blood spreading beneath the tissues. This is a normal post-operative occurrence, which may occur 2-3 days post-operatively. Moist heat applied to the area may speed up the removal of the discoloration.

After 48 hours, heat should be applied to the face, whenever possible to hasten the resolution of swelling. Heat should be continued as long as swelling remains. Moist heat (wet towel) is most effective.

Physical exertion or exercise should be avoided during the first 4-5 days, as this may result in increased bleeding. After the first 24 hours, exercise of the jaw will reduce muscle tightness.

Medications, including that for pain will be given. These should be taken in accordance with the instructions on the bottles. Unless otherwise contraindicated, Ibuprofen or Aspirin may be taken to reduce the total number of prescription narcotics, which may cause nausea in some patients. Eat before taking pain medications. If a rash, itching, nausea and vomiting, fainting, or temperature over 102º occurs, all medications should be discontinued and the doctor notified immediately. Antibiotics can potentially decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills for an entire cycle.

Diet during the first 24 hours should be limited to a liquid or soft diet. Clear liquids such as a broth, Jello or fruit juices cause less accumulation of debris in the mouth. It is important to have at least two quarts of liquid (water, etc.) each day to avoid dehydration. Alcohol, carbonated beverages, smoking should be avoided since they may damage the blood clot at the surgical site. The use of straws should be avoided since the suction created may increase bleeding. After the first 24 hours, you may increase your diet according to what you can tolerate. If chewing is difficult, Instant Breakfast, four servings daily, is and excellent supplement.

Bleeding is normal after surgery. Bleeding is best controlled by the use of pressure. Pressure can be applied by using moistened gauze or moistened tea bags placed directly over the surgical site and maintained with either finger pressure or biting pressure continuously for 30 minutes. Repeat as necessary. A small amount of oozing may occur for several hours or even a few days after surgery and should not be alarming.

Rinse Mouth three or four times daily after 24 hours. The best rinse is made by adding 1/2 teaspoon of salt to an 8 oz. glass of warm water.

Brushing Teeth should be resumed after 24 hours to keep the mouth clean. A clean mouth heals more rapidly with fewer complications.

Patients who have had general anesthesia or intravenous sedation should avoid driving or operating machinery for at least 24 hours. Patients taking narcotic pain medication should not drive or operate machinery.

Careful attention to and compliance with post operative instructions will add to your comfort and hasten recovery. If you have questions at anytime, the doctor can be contacted 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, through our emergency number, 480-726-6600.

Other Complications

• If numbness of the lip, chin, or tongue occurs, there is no cause for alarm. As stated before surgery, this is usually temporary in nature. You should be aware that if your lip or tongue is numb, you could bite it and not feel the sensation. So be careful. Call Dr. Fish if you have any questions.
• Slight elevation of temperature immediately following surgery is not uncommon. If the temperature persists, notify the office. Tylenol or ibuprofen should be taken to reduce the fever.
• Prior to surgery, you were not able to eat or drink, and taking pain medications can make you dizzy. Therefore, you could get light headed when you stand up suddenly. Before standing up, you should sit upright for one minute and then proceed to get up. When you stand up, it is best ot have someone with you. If you feel light headed, lie down immediately. Occasionally, patients may faint after surgery.
• Occasionally, patients may feel hard projections in the mouth with their tongue. They are not roots; they are the bony walls, which supported the tooth. These projections usually smooth out spontaneously. If not, they can be removed by Dr. Fish.
• On rare occasion if the corners of your mouth are stretched, they may dry out and crack. Your lips should be kept moist with an ointment such as vaseline.
• Sore throats and pain when swallowing are not uncommon. The muscles get swollen. The normal act of swallowing can then become painful. This will subside in 2-3 days.
• Stiffness (Trismus) of the jaw muscles may cause difficulty in opening your mouth for a few weeks following surgery. This is a normal post-operative event, which will resolve in time.

Finally

Sometimes sutures may be placed in the area of surgery to minimize post-operative bleeding. Occasionally they may become dislodged, but this is no cause for alarm. Just remove the suture from your mouth and discard it.

The pain and swelling should increasingly subside each day following surgery. If your post-operative pain or swelling worsens, or unusual symptoms occur, call the office for instructions.

Your case is individual, no two mouths are alike. Do not accept well-intended advice from friends. Discuss any problem with the person best able to effectively help you, which is Dr. Fish.

Brushing your teeth is okay - just be gentle at the surgical sites.

A dry socket is when the blood clot gets dislodged prematurely from the tooth socket. Symptoms of pain at the surgical site and even pain to the ear may occur 3-5 days following surgery. Call the office if this occurs.

Back to Top ↑

 

After Tooth Extraction

Replace gauze pack, every one-half hour, until bleeding is under control. Do not disturb the surgical area with your tongue, tooth-brush, or mouth rinse for the first 24 hours. The head should be elevated approximately 30º when lying down.

Swelling is a normal event after surgery. Apply ice to the face over the surgical area, as soon as possible. To help limit the total extent of swelling, ice should be continued for 48 hours. No ice is to be applied after the first 48 hours. In some cases, discoloration of the skin follows swelling. The development of black, blue, green, or yellow discoloration is due to blood spreading beneath the tissues. This is a normal post-operative occurrence, which may occur 2-3 days post-operatively. Moist heat applied to the area may speed up the removal of the discoloration.

After 48 hours, heat should be applied to the face, whenever possible to hasten the resolution of swelling. Heat should be continued as long as swelling remains. Moist heat (wet towel) is most effective.

Physical exertion or exercise should be avoided during the first 4-5 days, as this may result in increased bleeding. After the first 24 hours, exercise of the jaw will reduce muscle tightness.

Medications, including that for pain will be given. These should be taken in accordance with the instructions on the bottles. Unless otherwise contraindicated, Ibuprofen or Aspirin may be taken to reduce the total number of prescription narcotics, which may cause nausea in some patients. Eat before taking pain medications. If a rash, itching, nausea and vomiting, fainting, or temperature over 102º occurs, all medications should be discontinued and the doctor notified immediately. Antibiotics can potentially decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills for an entire cycle.

Diet during the first 24 hours should be limited to a liquid or soft diet. Clear liquids such as a broth, Jello or fruit juices cause less accumulation of debris in the mouth. It is important to have at least two quarts of liquid (water, etc.) each day to avoid dehydration. Alcohol, carbonated beverages, smoking should be avoided since they may damage the blood clot at the surgical site. The use of straws should be avoided since the suction created may increase bleeding. After the first 24 hours, you may increase your diet according to what you can tolerate. If chewing is difficult, Instant Breakfast, four servings daily, is and excellent supplement.

Bleeding is normal after surgery. Bleeding is best controlled by the use of pressure. Pressure can be applied by using moistened gauze or moistened tea bags placed directly over the surgical site and maintained with either finger pressure or biting pressure continuously for 30 minutes. Repeat as necessary. A small amount of oozing may occur for several hours or even a few days after surgery and should not be alarming.

Rinse Mouth three or four times daily after 24 hours. The best rinse is made by adding 1/2 teaspoon of salt to an 8 oz. glass of warm water.

Brushing Teeth should be resumed after 24 hours to keep the mouth clean. A clean mouth heals more rapidly with fewer complications.

Patients who have had general anesthesia or intravenous sedation should avoid driving or operating machinery for at least 24 hours. Patients taking narcotic pain medication should not drive or operate machinery.

Careful attention to and compliance with post operative instructions will add to your comfort and hasten recovery. If you have questions at anytime, the doctor can be contacted 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, through our emergency number, 480-726-6600.

Other Complications

• If numbness of the lip, chin, or tongue occurs, there is no cause for alarm. As stated before surgery, this is usually temporary in nature. You should be aware that if your lip or tongue is numb, you could bite it and not feel the sensation. So be careful. Call Dr. Fish if you have any questions.
• Slight elevation of temperature immediately following surgery is not uncommon. If the temperature persists, notify the office. Tylenol or ibuprofen should be taken to reduce the fever.
• Prior to surgery, you were not able to eat or drink, and taking pain medications can make you dizzy. Therefore, you could get light headed when you stand up suddenly. Before standing up, you should sit upright for one minute and then proceed to get up. When you stand up, it is best ot have someone with you. If you feel light headed, lie down immediately. Occasionally, patients may faint after surgery.
• Occasionally, patients may feel hard projections in the mouth with their tongue. They are not roots; they are the bony walls, which supported the tooth. These projections usually smooth out spontaneously. If not, they can be removed by Dr. Fish.
• On rare occasion if the corners of your mouth are stretched, they may dry out and crack. Your lips should be kept moist with an ointment such as vaseline.
• Sore throats and pain when swallowing are not uncommon. The muscles get swollen. The normal act of swallowing can then become painful. This will subside in 2-3 days.
• Stiffness (Trismus) of the jaw muscles may cause difficulty in opening your mouth for a few weeks following surgery. This is a normal post-operative event, which will resolve in time.

Finally

Sometimes sutures may be placed in the area of surgery to minimize post-operative bleeding. Occasionally they may become dislodged, but this is no cause for alarm. Just remove the suture from your mouth and discard it.

The pain and swelling should increasingly subside each day following surgery. If your post-operative pain or swelling worsens, or unusual symptoms occur, call the office for instructions.

Your case is individual, no two mouths are alike. Do not accept well-intended advice from friends. Discuss any problem with the person best able to effectively help you, which is Dr. Fish.

Brushing your teeth is okay - just be gentle at the surgical sites.

A dry socket is when the blood clot gets dislodged prematurely from the tooth socket. Symptoms of pain at the surgical site and even pain to the ear may occur 3-5 days following surgery. Call the office if this occurs.

Back to Top ↑

 

After the Removal of Multiple Teeth

The removal of multiple teeth is a serious surgical procedure. Post-operative care is very important. Unnecessary pain and the complications of infection and swelling can be minimized if the instructions are followed carefully.

Replace gauze pack, every one-half hour, until bleeding is under control. Do not disturb the surgical area with your tongue, tooth-brush, or mouth rinse for the first 24 hours. The head should be elevated approximately 30º when lying down.

Swelling is a normal event after surgery. Apply ice to the face over the surgical area, as soon as possible. To help limit the total extent of swelling, ice should be continued for 48 hours. No ice is to be applied after the first 48 hours. In some cases, discoloration of the skin follows swelling. The development of black, blue, green, or yellow discoloration is due to blood spreading beneath the tissues. This is a normal post-operative occurrence, which may occur 2-3 days post-operatively. Moist heat applied to the area may speed up the removal of the discoloration.

After 48 hours, heat should be applied to the face, whenever possible to hasten the resolution of swelling. Heat should be continued as long as swelling remains. Moist heat (wet towel) is most effective.

Physical exertion or exercise should be avoided during the first 4-5 days, as this may result in increased bleeding. After the first 24 hours, exercise of the jaw will reduce muscle tightness.

Medications, including that for pain will be given. These should be taken in accordance with the instructions on the bottles. Unless otherwise contraindicated, Ibuprofen or Aspirin may be taken to reduce the total number of prescription narcotics, which may cause nausea in some patients. Eat before taking pain medications. If a rash, itching, nausea and vomiting, fainting, or temperature over 102º occurs, all medications should be discontinued and the doctor notified immediately. Antibiotics can potentially decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills for an entire cycle.

Diet during the first 24 hours should be limited to a liquid or soft diet. Clear liquids such as a broth, Jello or fruit juices cause less accumulation of debris in the mouth. It is important to have at least two quarts of liquid (water, etc.) each day to avoid dehydration. Alcohol, carbonated beverages, smoking should be avoided since they may damage the blood clot at the surgical site. The use of straws should be avoided since the suction created may increase bleeding. After the first 24 hours, you may increase your diet according to what you can tolerate. If chewing is difficult, Instant Breakfast, four servings daily, is and excellent supplement.

Bleeding is normal after surgery. Bleeding is best controlled by the use of pressure. Pressure can be applied by using moistened gauze or moistened tea bags placed directly over the surgical site and maintained with either finger pressure or biting pressure continuously for 30 minutes. Repeat as necessary. A small amount of oozing may occur for several hours or even a few days after surgery and should not be alarming.

Rinse Mouth three or four times daily after 24 hours. The best rinse is made by adding 1/2 teaspoon of salt to an 8 oz. glass of warm water.

Brushing Teeth should be resumed after 24 hours to keep the mouth clean. A clean mouth heals more rapidly with fewer complications.

Patients who have had general anesthesia or intravenous sedation should avoid driving or operating machinery for at least 24 hours. Patients taking narcotic pain medication should not drive or operate machinery.

Careful attention to and compliance with post operative instructions will add to your comfort and hasten recovery. If you have questions at anytime, the doctor can be contacted 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, through our emergency number, 480-726-6600.

Other Complications

• If numbness of the lip, chin, or tongue occurs, there is no cause for alarm. As stated before surgery, this is usually temporary in nature. You should be aware that if your lip or tongue is numb, you could bite it and not feel the sensation. So be careful. Call Dr. Fish if you have any questions.
• Slight elevation of temperature immediately following surgery is not uncommon. If the temperature persists, notify the office. Tylenol or ibuprofen should be taken to reduce the fever.
• Prior to surgery, you were not able to eat or drink, and taking pain medications can make you dizzy. Therefore, you could get light headed when you stand up suddenly. Before standing up, you should sit upright for one minute and then proceed to get up. When you stand up, it is best ot have someone with you. If you feel light headed, lie down immediately. Occasionally, patients may faint after surgery.
• Occasionally, patients may feel hard projections in the mouth with their tongue. They are not roots; they are the bony walls, which supported the tooth. These projections usually smooth out spontaneously. If not, they can be removed by Dr. Fish.
• On rare occasion if the corners of your mouth are stretched, they may dry out and crack. Your lips should be kept moist with an ointment such as vaseline.
• Sore throats and pain when swallowing are not uncommon. The muscles get swollen. The normal act of swallowing can then become painful. This will subside in 2-3 days.
• Stiffness (Trismus) of the jaw muscles may cause difficulty in opening your mouth for a few weeks following surgery. This is a normal post-operative event, which will resolve in time.

Finally

Sometimes sutures may be placed in the area of surgery to minimize post-operative bleeding. Occasionally they may become dislodged, but this is no cause for alarm. Just remove the suture from your mouth and discard it.

The pain and swelling should increasingly subside each day following surgery. If your post-operative pain or swelling worsens, or unusual symptoms occur, call the office for instructions.

Your case is individual, no two mouths are alike. Do not accept well-intended advice from friends. Discuss any problem with the person best able to effectively help you, which is Dr. Fish.

Brushing your teeth is okay - just be gentle at the surgical sites.

A dry socket is when the blood clot gets dislodged prematurely from the tooth socket. Symptoms of pain at the surgical site and even pain to the ear may occur 3-5 days following surgery. Call the office if this occurs.

Back to Top ↑

 

After Placement of Dental Implants

The placement of dental implants is a serious surgical procedure. Post-operative care is very important. Unnecessary pain and the complications of infection and swelling can be minimized if the instructions are followed carefully.

Replace gauze pack, every one-half hour, until bleeding is under control. Do not disturb the surgical area with your tongue, tooth-brush, or mouth rinse for the first 24 hours. The head should be elevated approximately 30º when lying down.

Swelling is a normal event after surgery. Apply ice to the face over the surgical area, as soon as possible. To help limit the total extent of swelling, ice should be continued for 48 hours. No ice is to be applied after the first 48 hours. In some cases, discoloration of the skin follows swelling. The development of black, blue, green, or yellow discoloration is due to blood spreading beneath the tissues. This is a normal post-operative occurrence, which may occur 2-3 days post-operatively. Moist heat applied to the area may speed up the removal of the discoloration.

After 48 hours, heat should be applied to the face, whenever possible to hasten the resolution of swelling. Heat should be continued as long as swelling remains. Moist heat (wet towel) is most effective.

Physical exertion or exercise should be avoided during the first 4-5 days, as this may result in increased bleeding. After the first 24 hours, exercise of the jaw will reduce muscle tightness.

Medications, including that for pain will be given. These should be taken in accordance with the instructions on the bottles. Unless otherwise contraindicated, Ibuprofen or Aspirin may be taken to reduce the total number of prescription narcotics, which may cause nausea in some patients. Eat before taking pain medications. If a rash, itching, nausea and vomiting, fainting, or temperature over 102º occurs, all medications should be discontinued and the doctor notified immediately. Antibiotics can potentially decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills for an entire cycle.

Diet during the first 24 hours should be limited to a liquid or soft diet. Clear liquids such as a broth, Jello or fruit juices cause less accumulation of debris in the mouth. It is important to have at least two quarts of liquid (water, etc.) each day to avoid dehydration. Alcohol, carbonated beverages, smoking should be avoided since they may damage the blood clot at the surgical site. The use of straws should be avoided since the suction created may increase bleeding. After the first 24 hours, you may increase your diet according to what you can tolerate. If chewing is difficult, Instant Breakfast, four servings daily, is and excellent supplement.

Bleeding is normal after surgery. Bleeding is best controlled by the use of pressure. Pressure can be applied by using moistened gauze or moistened tea bags placed directly over the surgical site and maintained with either finger pressure or biting pressure continuously for 30 minutes. Repeat as necessary. A small amount of oozing may occur for several hours or even a few days after surgery and should not be alarming.

Rinse Mouth three or four times daily after 24 hours. The best rinse is made by adding 1/2 teaspoon of salt to an 8 oz. glass of warm water.

Brushing Teeth should be resumed after 24 hours to keep the mouth clean. A clean mouth heals more rapidly with fewer complications.

Patients who have had general anesthesia or intravenous sedation should avoid driving or operating machinery for at least 24 hours. Patients taking narcotic pain medication should not drive or operate machinery.

Careful attention to and compliance with post operative instructions will add to your comfort and hasten recovery. If you have questions at anytime, the doctor can be contacted 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, through our emergency number, 480-726-6600.

Other Complications

• If numbness of the lip, chin, or tongue occurs, there is no cause for alarm. As stated before surgery, this is usually temporary in nature. You should be aware that if your lip or tongue is numb, you could bite it and not feel the sensation. So be careful. Call Dr. Fish if you have any questions.
• Slight elevation of temperature immediately following surgery is not uncommon. If the temperature persists, notify the office. Tylenol or ibuprofen should be taken to reduce the fever.
• Prior to surgery, you were not able to eat or drink, and taking pain medications can make you dizzy. Therefore, you could get light headed when you stand up suddenly. Before standing up, you should sit upright for one minute and then proceed to get up. When you stand up, it is best ot have someone with you. If you feel light headed, lie down immediately. Occasionally, patients may faint after surgery.
• Occasionally, patients may feel hard projections in the mouth with their tongue. They are not roots; they are the bony walls, which supported the tooth. These projections usually smooth out spontaneously. If not, they can be removed by Dr. Fish.
• On rare occasion if the corners of your mouth are stretched, they may dry out and crack. Your lips should be kept moist with an ointment such as vaseline.
• Sore throats and pain when swallowing are not uncommon. The muscles get swollen. The normal act of swallowing can then become painful. This will subside in 2-3 days.
• Stiffness (Trismus) of the jaw muscles may cause difficulty in opening your mouth for a few weeks following surgery. This is a normal post-operative event, which will resolve in time.

Finally

Sometimes sutures may be placed in the area of surgery to minimize post-operative bleeding. Occasionally they may become dislodged, but this is no cause for alarm. Just remove the suture from your mouth and discard it.

The pain and swelling should increasingly subside each day following surgery. If your post-operative pain or swelling worsens, or unusual symptoms occur, call the office for instructions.

Your case is individual, no two mouths are alike. Do not accept well-intended advice from friends. Discuss any problem with the person best able to effectively help you, which is Dr. Fish.

Brushing your teeth is okay - just be gentle at the surgical sites.

A dry socket is when the blood clot gets dislodged prematurely from the tooth socket. Symptoms of pain at the surgical site and even pain to the ear may occur 3-5 days following surgery. Call the office if this occurs.

Back to Top ↑