Dr. Keith Kreuger

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Bend, OR

541-617-3993

Surgical Instructions

After Biopsy

As discussed with you prior to surgery, the doctor has performed a biopsy in which either a
portion of or the entire lesion has been removed. This specimen will be sent to a pathologist
for identification. THESE RESULTS WILL BE DISCUSSED WITH YOU AT YOUR FOLLOWUP VISIT. To ensure proper healing of the surgical area, please adhere to the following instructions.

FOOD

a) Eat or drink anything you like or can tolerate.

b) Do not use straws. Suction from straws may open the wound and prevent healing.

c) DO NOT SPIT.

d) You should rinse your mouth frequently with salt water (1 tsp. salt in 8 oz. water) during the day.

e) You may brush your teeth avoiding the surgical site.

f) NO SMOKING FOR 24 HOURS.

FOLLOWING SURGERY

1. Use prescription medicine for the pain as soon as you get home, then as directed on prescription. Be sure to take pain medication with pop, juice or food.

2. Ice may be used at surgical site if desired.

3. There may be some swelling at the surgical site. This should begin to subside by the end of the third to fifth day.

4. Oozing of blood can be expected during the first 24 hours. Use gauze pads as needed until bleeding has subsided.

5. Sutures placed during surgery will dissolve by themselves unless you are told otherwise at the time of surgery. Sutures are sometimes prematurely lost following surgery but this is not a problem.

6. Inability to open mouth wide is normal for 4-5 days past surgery.

7 . Get plenty of rest, 8-10 hours a night. For 48 hours keep your head elevated when lying down.

8. If you received an intravenous (IV) injection during surgery, do not do any heavy exercise or lifting for 4 days past surgery. Rest arm whenever possible. You may remove the bandaid at home.

COMPLICATIONS

The following are regarded as complications and you should contact us as soon as possible if any appear.

  • Uncontrolled pain or if pain is not improved after 36 hours.
  • Marked temperature rise
  • Inability to open the mouth after the 5th day or occurs several days after surgery.
  • Swelling that persists past the 5th day or occurs several days after the surgery.
  • Any persistent irritation at IV site.

SEVERE BLEEDING

If bleeding becomes excessive, thick and bright red, use damp gauze pad and place biting pressure over bleeding point for one hour steadily. Should This fail, clear the mouth of blood, then use warm wet tea bag over area with biting pressure as directed above. Should both methods fail within 4 hours, then contact office or answering service.

IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO REACH THE DOCTOR through the answering service or feel you have an emergency that cannot wait, go to:

ST. CHARLES MEDICAL CENTER, 2500 NE Neff Road, Bend, Oregon 97701 382-4321.

CAUTION: You are under medication. Do not drive or operate heavy equipment.