If you are not having an IV anesthetic (going to sleep or IV sedation) you may eat a light meal before your appointment and take your pills at their normally scheduled time. If you are having an IV anesthetic (going to sleep or IV sedation) you cannot have anything to eat or drink for 6 hours prior to surgery, including water. You may brush your teeth before your appointment but do not swallow any water. You may take certain medications with a sip of water as discussed in your presurgery consult. You must have someone drive you home after this type of anesthesia and stay with you for 12 hours.
Biopsy Post-Operative Instructions
Please read these instructions carefully. Sometimes the after-effects of oral surgery are quite minimal, so not all of theseinstructions may apply. Common sense will often dictate what you should do. However, when in doubt, follow these guidelines or call our office for clarification.
Day of Surgery
Do not disturb the surgical area today. DO NOT SMOKE for at least 3 days, as smoking is very detrimental to healing. Bleeding or Oozing Some minor bleeding will be evident in the first 48 hours. Usually direct pressure with a gauze pack for 20 to 30 minutes will easily control this. If bleeding persists or intensifies, please call the office. Bruising may occur on the outside of the face near the area of the biopsy site. This occurrence is not unusual and will resolve within ten to fourteen days.
Swelling
Often there is some swelling near the biopsy site. This is normal and should resolve within three to four days. When possible, apply ice packs to the area intermittently for the first 24 hours to help reduce swelling.
Pain
Unfortunately most oral surgery is accompanied by some degree of discomfort. In most cases, pain medication will be prescribed by your surgeon. Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen can also be used to control any pain.
Diet
Eat any nourishing food that can be taken with comfort. It is sometimes advisable, but not required, to confine the first day’s intake to liquids or pureed foods (creamed soups, puddings, yogurt, milk shakes, etc.). Over the next several days you can progress to solid foods at your own pace. It is important not to skip meals. If you take nourishment regularly, you will feel better, gain strength, have less discomfort, and heal faster.
Oral Hygiene
Keeping your mouth clean after surgery is essential. Use one teaspoon of salt dissolved in an 8-ounce glass of warm water and gently rinse with portions of the solution, taking five minutes to use the entire glassful. Repeat as often as you like, but at least four to five times daily for the next five days. You may brush your teeth, but avoid the biopsy site. It is our desire that your recovery be as smooth and pleasant as possible. Following these instructions will help your healing, but if you have questions about your progress, please call our office at 651.578.7000
Test Results
Your surgeon will send your biopsy specimen to an oral pathologist for processing, interpretation, and reporting. You will be contacted with the results of the biopsy when the test results are received. The results usually arrive within seven to ten working days.