After Biopsy

What to Expect During Recovery

Most patients go through this procedure with very few issues, but it is helpful to know what is normal as your body heals. You might notice a few temporary changes in the days following your visit.

• Swelling: Some swelling is common and varies from person to person. It usually reaches its peak about 36 to 48 hours after your procedure and then fades over the next few days. You might also see some minor bruising near the area.
• Discomfort: You may feel the most soreness right after the numbing medicine wears off. We suggest taking your pain medication before this happens to stay comfortable.
• Bleeding: For the first 24 hours, you might see some oozing or red-tinged saliva. This often looks like more blood than it actually is because it mixes with your saliva. Seeing a little pink on your toothbrush a few days later is also normal and nothing to worry about, just brush gently.
• Sutures: If we use stitches, they are likely the type that dissolves on their own. They might come loose within a day or two and typically disappear completely within a week.

Caring for the Surgical Site

Taking care of your mouth right now is the best way to prevent infection and help your body repair itself. Here are some steps you can take to make your recovery smoother.

Control Bleeding

Keep your head elevated for the first day to reduce blood flow to the area. If you notice more than just slight oozing, you can bite down gently on a damp gauze pad. Hold steady pressure for 30 minutes at a time. This usually stops any lingering bleeding.

Manage Swelling

Using an ice pack is very effective for the first 12 hours. Apply it to the outside of your face near the surgical site for 20 minutes, then take it off for 20 minutes. After the first half-day, ice will not help as much, so you can stop using it.

Diet and Nutrition

You can drink cool liquids as soon as you get home. Please avoid hot drinks or spicy foods for a little while, as they can irritate the wound. Over the first week, start with soft foods and slowly move back to your normal diet. Eating well gives your body the energy it needs to heal.

Clean Your Teeth

A clean mouth heals faster. You can start brushing your teeth on the day of surgery, just be very gentle around the sore spot. Starting 24 hours after your visit, rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water about six times a day. Mix a small amount of salt into a glass of warm water and swish softly.

Manage Discomfort

It is normal to feel some soreness. Take your prescribed pain medication as directed and try to take it with a full glass of water or juice to prevent nausea.

Antibiotics

If your surgeon prescribed antibiotics, please finish the entire bottle. This medicine helps prevent infection. Note that antibiotics can sometimes interfere with birth control pills, so we recommend using a backup method for the rest of your cycle.

Jaw Stiffness

To prevent stiffness, you can use moist heat on your jaw starting 48 hours after surgery. Apply warmth for 15 to 20 minutes, then gently stretch your mouth open. Repeating this three or four times a day can help keep your muscles loose.

What to Avoid

For a safe and successful recovery, please avoid these activities for the first 24 hours:

• Using straws or spitting forcefully
• Rinsing your mouth vigorously
• Smoking or using tobacco products
• Never mix alcohol with prescription pain medication