Dr Marietta is always availible by calling 785-825-7557

• BITE ON THE GAUZE FOR ONE HOUR: Pressure on the surgical site will help stop the bleeding. If this does not work, bite on another gauze for one more hour. If the site is still bleeding, wet a tea bag, wrap it with gauze and bite on it for one more hour. The tea has tannic acid, which helps stop bleeding. If this does not work call 825-7557 or 827-4433 if the office is closed. (Slight oozing from the area and blood tinged saliva is normal and may occur for up to 48 hours postoperatively.)
  
• SWELLING: Swelling and sometimes bruising are common after surgery. The maximum swelling, discomfort and jaw stiffness normally occurs 2 or 3 days after surgery. To minimize swelling apply ice packs to the side of your face, fifteen minutes on, then fifteen minutes off, until bedtime the day of the surgery. Also keep your head elevated until bedtime. Moist heat after 36 hours may help jaw soreness.
  
• DISCOMFORT: The greatest amount of discomfort is the first six to eight hours after surgery. Take a pain reliever before the anesthesia wears off. Do not take pain medication on an empty stomach. If itching or a rash develops, stop taking the medication and contact Dr. Marietta IMMEDIATELY. If a dull pain along with an earache develops on the third or fourth day, you may have a dry socket and should contact us to have it treated.
  
• MUSCLE SORENESS: Difficulty opening your mouth is common after surgery. Moist heat, massage of the muscles and opening and closing your mouth will help diminish this soreness and increase mobility.
  
• INFECTION: If swelling and discomfort worsens after the fourth day following surgery along with a foul taste, fever and difficulty swallowing, contact our office immediately.
  
• NO SMOKING OR ALCOHOL TODAY: Smoking or alcohol consumption may cause either a loss or breakdown of the blood clot. If this occurs, you will have dull ache that feels as if it travels up and down the jaw and also may cause an earache. If this happens to you, contact our office.
  
• AVOID BENDING OVER: This increases the blood pressure in the head and will therefore increase swelling and bleeding.
  
• WARM SALT WATER RINSES THE DAY AFTER SURGERY: Salt water is a mild antibacterial agent and will help freshen your breath. Brush and floss as usual avoiding the surgical sights. The corners of your mouth may dry and crack, keep them moist with petroleum base gel.
  
• DIET: Drink plenty of fluids such as fruit juices, milk shakes, and water. Carbonated beverages may bubble the blood clot away and are not recommended. Avoid sucking from a straw; it may cause loss of the blood clot. Soft foods such as mashed potatoes, applesauce, ice cream, and soups are good the day of surgery. Avoid foods that can get caught in the surgical area such as popcorn and peanuts. The day after surgery you may eat whatever is comfortable for you to eat.