Garner Office:
Cary Office:
103 Parkway Office Court
Suite 200 • Cary, NC • 27518
(919) 661-1995
5638 NC Hwy 42 W
Suite 111 • Garner, NC • 27529
(919) 661-1995
For the First 5 Days: No Smoking, No Spitting,
No Alcohol, No Straws, No Carbonated Drinks
Post-Operative Instructions - General Surgery / Wisdom Teeth / Extractions
Important Reminders:
Do not rinse mouth for 24 hours. Gently swishing water is sufficient for keeping the area clean.
Do not suck or drink through straws for the next 5 days.
Teeth should be given their usual care; be gentle in the area of the surgery when brushing.
Driving or operating heavy machinery should not be attempted while taking prescription pain medication (narcotics) and/or
anti-nausea medications (such as Phenergan). These medications may cause grogginess and impaired judgment.
Only eat soft foods and drink liquids as instructed on the day of the surgery. Avoid anything hot (such as coffee and tea) or
chewable (such as meats and sandwiches). Hot fluids will delay the healing process.
Do not participate in any activities that may increase blood pressure, such as sports and weight lifting, for 3 to 5 days.
Birth control may not be effective while taking antibiotics!
Immediately Following the Surgery:
Bite on gauze for 30-45 minutes. Bleeding is to be expected following oral surgery.
The gauze may be gently removed after 30 to 45 minutes, and it may then be changed if bleeding or oozing continues.
To control swelling, place an icepack wrapped in paper towel on the side of your face. Ice can be used through the 3rd postoperative day, but is most effective during the first few hours following surgery. Do not use heat/hot packs.
If you take the first pain-relieving pill before the anesthetic has worn off, you should be better able to manage any discomfort.
If you haven’t already, remove gauze & check for bleeding.
If bleeding continues, place another piece of gauze, clean towel, or a damp tea bag on the area and bite firmly for at least 30
minutes. You may need to place gauze packs over the surgery site(s) for up to 24 hours.
Lie down, relax, and keep you head elevated until bleeding stops.
Slight bleeding may persist or reoccur for up to 48 hours. Use gauze if needed.
As the anesthetic wears off, discomfort may follow. Take pain medications as instructed and walk cautiously.
24 Hours After Surgery:
Eat soft foods and maintain a high intake of fluids while healing.
Gently rinse 5 to 10 times daily with warm salt water (1 tsp. salt per glass of warm water) for 1 week, especially after eating. If
salt water is not available, plain water can be used as a substitute.
3 Days After Surgery:
Gradually return to your normal diet when comfortable in 5 – 7 days.
Fill irrigation syringe with salt water and rinse area as directed (this may not apply to all surgical procedures).
Observe for dissolving stitches which may become loose. They may be gently brushed to help dislodge them.
Possible Side Effects:
You may experience nausea due to pain medications. Consider taking ½ doses. You can also take your medication with food
and/or Mylanta to help reduce nausea.
If pain or swelling occurs after the area has apparently healed or should any conditions arise that appear unusual, please feel
free to contact us during regular business hours, or you may contact Dr. Cusumano directly afterhours.
Emergency Afterhours Number: (919) 819-4288