Post-Op Instructions For Plates

Post- Operative Instructions After Bone Plate Surgery

  • Take medications as prescribed. Rinse gently 2- 3 times a day with warm salt water as well as after meals or snacks and before bed. Mix ½ teaspoon salt in 8 oz of water.  Brush teeth and tongue with soft tooth brush avoiding surgical areas and plates.  Mouth should be kept as clean as possible.
  • Keep tongue away from surgical sites.
  • Ice periodically for the first 48 hours, 20 minutes on then 20 minutes off, on the cheeks over the surgical area.

           Dairy foods should be avoided for the first 24 hours.

           No Straws for 10 to 15 days.

  • Clear liquid diet for the first 24 hours then stay on a full liquid diet including soup, jello and protein shakes for the first few days. Advance to soft foods when you feel you are ready, such as: mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, pancakes, chili, tuna salad, chicken salad, overcooked pastas, etc. Please stay away from chips, nuts, hard crunchy and chewy foods.
  • Pain Medications: Take pain medication after treatment with fruit juice or a full glass of water. We suggest you do not take pain medication on an empty stomach. Sit up for 20 minutes after taking pain medication. This will decrease chances of an upset stomach. This medication may be repeated 4 to 6 hours as needed for discomfort. (or as specially prescribed for you). DO NOT USE ASPIRIN or products containing aspirin for 1 week following surgery. Aspirin, Advil and Aleve can contribute to bleeding problems and healing. Only the non-aspirin pain reliever, Tylenol is acceptable.
  • Antibiotics: Take prescribed antibiotics as directed until all have been taken. You will begin this medication the day prior to surgery.
  • Sutures will be removed at 2 weeks or later when soft tissue healing is adequate.
  • Slight oozing or bleeding is normal. Rinsing with cool salt water will alleviate this.

              Activity should be kept to a minimum for the first few weeks.  

             Avoid contact sports until further notice.

            Call the office if you have any questions or concerns: 561 368 3170.