Terence Q.L. Young, D.D.S. Airway-Focused Dental Care

3660 Waialae Avenue, Suite 212 Honolulu, HI 96814

PH 808.945.9977 FX 808.945.2210

admin@terenceyoungdds.com airwayfocuseddentalcare.com

Post-Op Care for Buccal / Labial Frenectomies

Pink or blood-tinged saliva may be seen for 2-3 days following the surgery and does not indicate a problem.

Swelling is the body's normal reaction to surgery and healing. Swelling may not become apparent until the day following surgery and may not reach its peak for 2-3 days. If there is swelling, it may be minimized by the immediate use of ice packs. Apply the ice packs to the outside of the face 20 minutes on and then 20 minutes off while awake for the first

Unfortunately, most oral surgery is accompanied by some degree of discomfort. If you do not have an allergy to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like Ibuprofen, (Motrin, Advil) we recommend taking this prior to the local anesthetic wearing off. If discomfort is tolerable, you may alternate Ibuprofen and Tylenol the first 24-48 hours (Ibuprofen dosage may vary for younger patients. Please reference bottle for appropriate dosage based on height and weight. All medications should not exceed the recommended dosage. Discomfort should subside daily. If not, please call our office. To help prevent discomfort, avoid vigorous rinsing, sucking on the wound, spitting, using a straw, and exercising for 48 hours after procedure.

Start with liquids. While numb, patients should avoid hot liquids or foods. Patients may have applesauce, pudding or Jell-o. Once numbness wears off patients can progress to solid foods, chewing away from the surgical sites.

The best way to prevent infection and ensure healing is to keep your mouth clean. Clean your mouth thoroughly after each meal beginning the day after surgery. Use a soft bristle toothbrush and toothpaste after meals and at bedtime. Do not rinse your mouth the day of surgery. You may use a salt water rinse. Add a 1/2 teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water. You can use this cost-effective rinse to soothe discomfort and promote healing.

For the first 12 to 24 hours you should rest and relax with minimal activity. After first 48 hours, you may resume activity as tolerated and as long as there are no overriding symptoms.

Bad breath is common and will disappear as healing occurs. Two to three days following surgery, white or possibly hard tissue may be seen at the surgical site. This signifies normal, healing tissue. Complete healing of the extraction site may take several weeks.

Sutures will resorb or fall out on their own. It is normal for a suture to come out on the day of surgery. If bleeding occurs because the sutures have fallen out, gently put pressure on the outside of your lip.

Foods to Drink and Eat While Numb: (Remember to use caution not to bite lip, cheek, or tongue) Drink: Water, Juice, Ice Chips, Popsicles Eat: Applesauce, Jell-O, Pudding, Yogurt, Milkshake (NO STRAW) Add Soft Foods When Numbness is Gone: Mashed Potatoes, Pasta, Eggs, Pancakes, Creamed Cereals, Soups / Saimin (Be careful-not too hot)

EXERCISES TO BE PERFORMED AS DIRECTED BELOW FOLLOWING

PROCEDURE FOR Fourteen (14) DAYS

With lips together, GENTLY puff air into mouth. Take turns moving air into each four quadrants: upper lip area, lower lip area, left cheek, right cheek, as follows: Twice daily: Five (5) seconds hold air in each quadrant, repeat five (5) times. Note: If having difficulty, simply cover up the quadrants you don't want to blow into, which can facilitate better control.

With lips closed, GENTLY move the tongue tip into the upper lip and circle around into the lower lip and back to the upper lip 15 times. Once daily: Fifteen (15) times completely around the mouth, upper and lower, same direction. Once daily: Change direction and circle around the other way. Fifteen (15) times completely around the mouth, upper and lower. Please contact our office with any concerns you may be encountering. Dr. Young can be reached at 808-358-0725 after hours.