After a cosmetic reconstruction

It is important to follow the instructions below to speed healing. Note that some discomfort and swelling are normal after surgery.

Day of surgery

  • Apply ice to your cheek at regular intervals (20 minutes of ice every hour).
  • If bleeding occurs, bite down on a gauze pad or lightly moistened tea bag for 20 minutes.
  • Bleeding and coloured saliva are normal postoperative effects.

Don’ts

  • Don’t eat anything before the bleeding stops.
  • Don’t drink through a straw.
  • Don’t rinse your mouth or spit.
  • Don’t smoke or drink alcohol.
  • Don’t eat hard foods.
  • Don’t engage in intense exercise. Rest.

Pain

  • If the pain causes you discomfort, take the medication you were prescribed.

Food

  • Eat only soft foods or lukewarm liquids.

The day after until full healing

  • Rinse your mouth three times a day with a warm salt water solution (2 ml or ½ tsp of salt in 250 ml or 1 cup of water).
  • Brush your teeth and floss daily to remove plaque and ensure the best long-term results. Don’t brush near the sensitive area for the first 72 hours.
  • Avoid hard foods (nuts, candy, ice).
  • Be aware that smoking, coffee, red wine and tea can stain your teeth.
  • If you play sports, ask us to make you a custom mouth guard.
  • You may have trouble speaking and produce extra saliva. This should subside in a week.
  • There may be some bruising on the skin. This will disappear in five to seven days.
  • You may have trouble opening your mouth. This should diminish in four to five days.
  • If the pain increases after three days, call our office.

It takes the brain a while to recognize the new position of your teeth or their thickness. It may take a few days or even a few weeks before you can fully close your mouth. If problems persist after several weeks, call us at (450) 449-0353.