Surgical Instructions
- Before Anesthesia
- After Dental Implant Surgery
- After Wisdom Tooth Removal
- After Extractions
- After Multiple Extractions
- After Bone Grafts
- After Sinus Grafts
- After Tibial Bone Harvest
- After Biopsy
After Biopsy
POST OPERATIVE CARE FOLLOWING BIOPSY
A biopsy is a surgical procedure. Below are a few simple guidelines that will prevent complications, promote healing and make you more comfortable.
Bleeding
Some bleeding is to be expected after your procedure. Bite down firmly on the gauze, making sure it remains in place directly over the surgical site(s). You will need to change the gauze every 30 minutes until there is only a slight pink coloration showing. Please remove the gauze before eating or drinking and then replace if necessary. To replace, fold a clean piece into a thick pad, dampen and place directly on the biopsy site. Bleeding should be minimal. If bleeding continues, try repositioning fresh gauze or a moistened teabag with direct pressure on the surgical site. Sit in a semi-upright position, using two pillows. If bleeding continues, without slowing down after several hours, please contact our office.
Swelling
You may have some swelling in the area of the procedure. It may increase for the next 24-48 hours; ten begin to decrease. To help minimize any swelling, apply an ice pack to your face in the area of the surgical site. Keep the ice on as much as possible during the first 24 hours, occasionally taking 10 minute breaks. Ice can be applied for additional time if it relieves symptoms. Swelling generally peaks 2-3 days after your surgery.
Diet
You will need a soft food diet for the first few days after surgery. Avoid foods that are hard, crunchy or small such as: nuts, popcorn, rice, sesame seeds or berries. Also avoid foods that are spicy. After a few days, you can begin your normal diet.
Medications
If you have been given prescriptions, take as directed. Although a prescription for discomfort may have been given, it may not be needed. If you are able to, you may substitute an over-the-counter pain reliever for the pain prescription. If you develop hives, rash, intestinal distress or diarrhea, discontinue all of the prescribed medications and contact us immediately. Do not drive or operate mechanical equipment after taking pain medication. Do not take the medications on an empty stomach or nausea may develop.
Oral Hygiene
The day after your surgery, the mouth may be rinsed gently with warm salt water. Rinse several times a day, especially after meals, until your follow up appointment. During this time, avoid using a commercial mouth rinse or mouthwash, unless prescribed by the doctor. Begin your normal hygiene routine as soon as you can after surgery. You may brush your teeth, taking caution around the surgical site.
Please keep your follow up appointment. The biopsy report will be reviewed with you at this appointment. A copy of the report will be sent to your referring doctor. You may request a copy of the report for your records. If you have any questions or concerns, during or after normal business hours, contact us at (772) 337-4798.
