Dr. Keith Kreuger

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Bend, OR

541-617-3993

Surgical Instructions

After Bracketing

In conjunction with your orthodontic treatment, The doctor has exposed a tooth or teeth that were impacted under the soft tissue. After exposing each tooth, the doctor placed a silver orthodontic bracket with a wire or elastic chain attached. To care for and facilitate the proper healing of this area, adhere to The following instructions.

  • You may eat or drink anything you like or can tolerate. This includes milk products, soft foods, juices, pop. Increase liquid intake while maintaining adequate food intake.
  • DO NOT CHEW OR TAKE IN HOT LIQUIDS UNTIL YOUR NUMBNESS HAS SUBSIDED.
  • Use prescription medicine for the pain as soon as you get home, then as directed on the prescription. Be sure to take pain medication with pop, juice or food.
  • There may be swelling for up to 7 days. The swelling should begin to subside by the end of the 5th day. Swelling will be greater on the second day than on the first. Swelling will be greater upon arising in the morning each day. You may experience some facial bruising.
  • Use no heat on the outside of your face. Ice may be used, but the effect on swelling past surgery may be minimal if used. Discomfort may be lessened by the use of ice.
  • Inability to open mouth wide is normal for 4-5 days past surgery.
  • Hold The gauze pack over the wound until you get home. Blood tinged saliva can be expected during the first 24 hours. Use gauze pads with biting pressure, changing when saturated and discontinue use when bleeding stops. Periodic blood tinged saliva can be seen during the week following surgery especially when eating and brushing teeth.
  • 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.
  • You may brush your teeth avoiding The surgical site.

The important DO NOT list.

DO NOT chew or take in hot liquids until your numbness has subsided.

DO NOT use straws.

DO NOT spit.

DO NOT rinse the mouth for 24 hours following surgery.

DO NOT smoke for 24 hours.

If you have received an intravenous injection (IV) during surgery, DO NOT do any HEAVY EXERCISE or LIFTING for 4 days past surgery. Rest arm whenever possible. You may remove The band-aid at home.

If this box is checked, the doctor has placed packing around the exposed tooth or teeth. If this becomes dislodged or falIs out, please notify the office during business hours.

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 mouth after the 5th day past surgery.
  • Swelling that persists past 5th day or occurs several days after surgery.
  • Any persistent irritation at IV site.

Please contact us if you have uncontrolled pain, marked temperature rise, inability to open mouth, swelling that persists past 5th day, any persistent irritation at IV site. If you are UNABLE TO REACH THE DOCTOR through the answering service (this is the same number as the office) or feel you have an emergency that cannot wait, go to:

ST. CHARLES MEDICAL CENTER
2500 NE Neff Rd
Bend, Oregon 97701
Telephone 541-382-4321

CAUTION: You are under medication. DO NOT drive or operate heavy equipment.