Dale R. Duncan, D.D.S., P.C.
North Atlanta Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
4165 Old Milton Parkway
Suite 200 West
Alpharetta, Georgia 30005
Telephone: (770) 664-6533
Fax: (770) 442-8941
3275 Market Place Boulevard
Suite 175
Cumming, GA 30041
Telephone: (770) 406-2060
Fax: (770) 406-2063
Dear Patient,
In order that you get the best of possible results from your surgery, I ask that you follow these few simple
rules and guidelines.
POSTOPERATIVE HOMECARE INSTRUCTIONS:
DO:
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



BRUSH YOUR TEETH AND TONGUE! Food impaction can cause infection
RINSE WITH WARM SALT WATER! Beginning the day AFTER surgery, use 1/4 teaspoon in a 6 to 8 ounce
glass of warm water - rinse for 5 minutes every 3 to 4 hours.
KEEP LIPS AND CORNERS OF MOUTH MOIST! Use Vaseline, Blistex, Chapstick, etc.
DILUTE COMMERCIAL MOUTHWASH 50/50 WITH WATER!
KEEP ICE PACKS ON CONTINUOUSLY FOR THE FIRST 12 HOURS! Change the ice every 1-2
hours and keep your head elevated above your heart with an extra pillow. Some swelling is expected and will
vary with individuals. You will notice your greatest amount of swelling the day after surgery. Use your ice packs,
starting the day after surgery, on a schedule of 30 minutes on then 30 minutes off. The use of ice will minimize
your swelling.
DO NOT:
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DO NOT DRINK THROUGH A STRAW!
DO NOT FORCEFULLY RINSE YOUR MOUTH!
DO NOT SPIT OUT! If absolutely necessary, let excessive fluids dribble from lips over a sink.
DO NOT DRINK EXCESSIVELY HOT LIQUIDS!
DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES! Alcohol will react with the prescribed pain medication and
antibiotics.

DO NOT SMOKE! Smoking creates a suction that will loosen blood clots, and cause bleeding, increased
pain, and dry sockets.
POSTOPERATIVE BLEEDING:
Some oozing after oral surgery is normal for a period of 24-48 hours. Dilution by saliva makes bleeding appear
greater.
TAKE YOUR GAUZE PADS OUT WHEN YOU ARRIVE HOME! Continued use, chewing or biting of the
gauze will cause prolonged bleeding.
If persistent/excessive bleeding does occur, use of soft biting pressure on a tea bag folded in a gauze pad will be
helpful. Remember, if bright red bleeding persists despite several attempts to stem the flow, contact the office.
MEDICINES:
Medication
1st dose
Dosage schedule
2nd dose
3rd dose
4th dose
1 pill every 3-4
hours as needed
for pain
Given in office
To be given at
To be given at
To be given at
______am/pm
______am/pm
______am/pm
______am/pm
Ibuprofen,
Aspirin, or
Tylenol
To be taken as
needed
To be given at
To be given at
To be given at
To be given at
_____am/pm
_____am/pm
_____am/pm
_____am/pm
Antibiotic
Begin 1 day prior
to surgery
1 pill 4 times a
day
1 tablet at
home ,after
eating lunch
1 tablet at
dinner
1 tablet in
evening
1 tablet at
bedtime
Day 2 in
packet1 tablet at
home, after
eating lunch
2 tablets at
dinner
2 tablets at
bedtime
Pain med
Medrol-Swelling
Begin 1 day prior
to surgery
ZofranAnti Nausea
As Directed in
package insert
1 tablet every 6
hours for nausea
as needed
Day 2 Post OP
Day 3
1 pill every
3-4 hrs as
needed for
pain
To be given
every 4-6
hrs as
needed
To be given
every 4-6
hrs as
needed
Breakfast,
Lunch
Dinner
Bedtime
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Bedtime
Follow
insert for
day 3 in
packet
Follow
insert for
day 4 in
packet
Use as
needed
DIET INSTRUCTIONS:
AS SOON AS YOU ARRIVE HOME, HAVE SOME FLUIDS TO DRINK! Carbonated beverages
(ie. Coke, Sprite, Ginger Ale, etc.) are well tolerated on an empty stomach.
WAIT APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES AFTER FLUIDS AND HAVE SOMETHING BLAND TO EAT! (ie.
soup and at least 1/2 of a sandwich, saltine crackers, jello, etc.)
If the beverage and bland food are tolerated without nausea or vomiting, YOU MAY RESUME YOUR REGULAR
DIET WITHOUT RESTRICTIONS BY LUNCHTIME THE DAY OF SURGERY. If you will eat as directed you
will have less chance of post op nausea, less swelling and pain.
It is recommended that after eating or drinking products high in milk content, you rinse your mouth with plain water to
prevent collection of these products in the surgery sites causing healing problems.
THE #1 CAUSE OF NAUSEA AND VOMITING, ESPECIALLY IN WOMEN, IS FROM NOT EATING SOON ENOUGH
OR ADEQUATE AMOUNTS OF FOOD AFTER SURGERY.
If you do experience nausea and/or vomiting, begin the prescription for Zofran as directed.
THERE ARE NO FOOD RESTRICTIONS! It is very important to properly cleanse your mouth after eating to avoid
food impaction and infection.
Do not eat hard foods such as rock candy or hard nuts for about 6 to 8 weeks. Surgery can weaken the jawbone,
making it more susceptible to fracture.
POSTOPERATIVE FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENT:
It is important to return to the office for your follow-up appointment. After a short exam you will be given additional
postoperative instructions. By following these instructions, you will minimize the chance of postoperative healing
problems.
If you have any additional questions or postoperative problems please contact the office.
Sincerely,
Dr. Dale R. Duncan
(revised 03/09)