BIOPSY POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

Bleeding
Keep firm, continuous pressure with gauze for at least 30 minutes. Change out gauze every 30 minutes until bleeding has stopped. A slight ooze or rosy colored saliva is normal for up to 24 hours.

Pain
To manage post-operative discomfort, if you are able to take over the counter medications, we recommend taking 400 mg of ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) alongside 500 to 1000 mg of acetaminophen (Tylenol) every six hours for the first 78 to 72 hours. This combination is typically highly effective for pain control. *If you’re experiencing severe pain, please call our office immediately for further instructions.

Swelling
Swelling is a common part of recovery that generally peaks 2 to 3 days post-surgery, though its severity depends on your specific procedure. To minimize facial swelling during the first 48 hours, be sure to keep your head elevated with two pillows when lying down and apply cold compresses to the area every hour (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off).

Rinsing/Brushing
Do not rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours following surgery. The following day, you may begin gently rinsing with warm (not hot) salt water. You will dilute 1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and rinse gently 3 to 4 times each day for 1 full week. *You may brush your teeth but be sure to avoid the site of surgery for several days.

Diet
Stick to cool or room temperature soft foods for the first 24 hours to prevent bleeding, and avoid spicy/acidic foods, which is likely to irritate the site. Gradually return to solid, nutritious meals as you feel ready, to help your body heal. *Diabetic patients should follow their normal diet and medication routine.

Sutures — If you receive stitches, they are typically dissolvable and will fall out on their own within 5 to 10 days. Your doctor will let you know if you need an appointment to have them removed.

Your health and comfort during recovery are important to us!
If you have any questions about your instructions, medications, or if you feel you require urgent medical attention, please call us right away at 724-260-5009; simply follow the phone prompts to be connected directly to our on-call doctor, who is available 24 hours a day.