Surgery FAQ
Before and after your
surgical appointment.
Care of the mouth following a surgical procedure is essential in the healing process. A certain amount of swelling, discoloration, discomfort, and bleeding can be expected, here is exactly what to do at each stage.
Recovering right now? The check-in takes two minutes and your doctor reads every one.
Before surgery
Pre-operative instructions
A little preparation makes surgery day smoother. If any of these conflict with what your doctor told you directly, follow your doctor's instructions.
Eat and hydrate beforehand
Unless you were told otherwise, have a normal meal and drink water before your appointment. A well-nourished start makes the visit and the first day of healing far more comfortable.
Take your medications as directed
Continue your regular prescriptions unless Dr. Zidile or Dr. Choi instructed you to pause one. If a pre-medication (antibiotic or anti-anxiety) was prescribed, take it exactly as written and at the time we specified.
Tell us about changes to your health
Let us know before surgery about any new medication, blood thinner, supplement, illness, pregnancy, or recent hospitalization so we can adjust the plan.
Fill your prescriptions in advance
Pick up any prescribed medication and rinse before your appointment so everything is waiting for you at home.
Stock soft foods
Have yogurt, oatmeal, soups, smoothies, and soft fish on hand, a soft or liquid diet is recommended for 7 days after surgery.
Plan your day
Wear comfortable clothing, arrange a ride if you'll be sedated, and keep the rest of the day light. Avoid alcohol and smoking before and after surgery, as both slow healing.
Wound care
Post-operative instructions
Bleeding
Some bleeding and oozing is expected for several hours. Avoid spitting and use of a straw as they may provoke oozing. If bleeding is more than slight, use a piece of gauze or a moistened tea bag over the area and apply firm pressure for 30 minutes.
Swelling
Some degree of swelling and bruising are normal and can be minimized with cold packs applied to the face at the surgery site for 30 minutes, then removed for 30 minutes. Maximum swelling occurs about the second or third post-operative day and then slowly recedes. Bruising may appear purple or yellow and can migrate down to the neck, this is nothing to be concerned about.
Discomfort
Prescription medication should be taken as directed. If prescription pain medication was not advised, over-the-counter pain relievers (Tylenol or Advil) can be taken as directed.
Rinsing
Rinsing is to be minimized for the first 24 hours after surgery, and longer if persistent bleeding occurs.
Diet
A soft or liquid diet is recommended for 7 days following surgery. Foods like soft fish, yogurt, oatmeal, and warm soups are best. Avoid foods that are too hot, spicy, crunchy, or that contain seeds. Until local anesthesia (numbness) wears off, be careful chewing to prevent biting the numb area.
Brushing and flossing
Avoid brushing or flossing the surgical area for 7 days. Untreated areas of the mouth can be maintained as normal.
Pain management
3 Advil (200 mg) and 1 Tylenol (500 mg) can be taken together up to 3 times a day, as needed.
Do not exceed the dosing on the package, and check with us first if you take blood thinners or have kidney, liver, or stomach conditions.
Questions after hours
Reach your doctor directly.
During office hours, call the practice at (718) 643-1953. If you have any questions or concerns after hours, you may call:
Recovering right now? Send us a post-op check-in. Need to be seen? Request an appointment.