After Oral Surgery –  Biopsy Care

Post-Op Medication:

  • If you are prescribed an antiseptic mouth rinse (Chlorhexidine or Peridex) use it for one week.
  • Start taking pain medications within 30 minutes after the procedure. It is important that food be eaten with the pain medication to prevent nausea.
  • If you develop any rash, diarrhea, or other bad reaction because of any medicine that we have given you, stop taking it immediately and call the office. You may or may not be given a different prescription.
  • Take 400 mg Ibuprofen or 325 mg Tylenol every six hours in addition to your other pain medicine. Inquire with the AOFS team or your pharmacist if you should not be taking this.
  • If you are taking antibiotics — it is recommended to take OTC probiotics with yogurt or smoothie, etc.

Post-Op Diet:

Your diet should consist of a soft food diet including smoothies, eggs, and well-cooked pasta for one to two weeks or until you see the doctor.

Other:

  • Bleeding – Put a gauze pad on the site and apply constant pressure for 30 minutes. Repeat two times if necessary.
  • Use an ice pack on your face to help with swelling – 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off for the first 24-hours.
  • If you have sutures they may dissolve on their own, or they may need to be removed — just ask the team if you are unsure.
  • After 24 hours, begin warm salt water soaks after each meal and at bedtime. (one teaspoon of salt to an 8 ounce glass of warm water.)
  • Brushing and flossing are important to keep your mouth clean, just be sure not to brush directly over the biopsy site.

What About the Biopsy Specimen?

The specimen that was removed will be sent to a pathology laboratory for analysis. You will receive a separate bill from the lab. Call AOFS is you have not heard back within two weeks to talk about the results.

If you have any other questions about post-biopsy care, please contact our office!

Download this file by clicking here » After Biopsy