1. Don’t Touch!  Keep fingers and tongue away from surgical area
2. Cool It! Use ice packs on surgical area (side of face) for the first 12 hours; apply ice 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off.  Bags of frozen peas work well for this.
3. Still Hurts? For mild discomfort, take Tylenol or Ibuprofen (advil) every three to four hours.
4. In Pain?  For severe pain, please use the prescription medication for pain given to you.
5. Hydrate Yourself.  Drink plenty of fluids.  Do not use a straw.
6. Eat Soft Foods.  No seeds, nuts, rice or popcorn! Diet may consist of soft foods, which can be easily chewed and swallowed. A brief list of recommended foods is provided below.
7. Blood? A certain amount of bleeding can be expected following surgery.  Bleeding is controlled by applying pressure to the surgical area for 90 minutes.  Then you may eat or drink.  If bleeding persists, a moist tea bag should be held firmly on the area of bleeding for one straight hour.
8. No Smoking or alcohol. Please!  Do not smoke for at least five days after surgery. Avoid alcohol until prescribed medication is completed.
9. Medications?  If you are on other medications, be sure to discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist to minimize adverse drug interactions.  Do start taking a multi-vitamin daily if you are not already doing so.
10.  Nausea & Vomiting.  Never take pain medication on an empty stomach.
11.  Rinsing. Avoid rinsing, swishing and gargling for the first 48 hours.
12.  Brush & Floss. Continue to brush and floss twice daily using a soft-bristled brush. Be careful not to injure or bruise the extraction site.
13.  24 Hour Ban.  Avoid cola drinks, acidic fruit juices, and hot liquids or foods for the first 24 hours.

For recipe ideas, visit Post-Op recipes