7. SWELLING RELATED TO THE SURGICAL PROCEDURE may occur following certain types of procedures. An ice pack should be placed on the side of your face for 20 minutes then taken off for 10 minutes and repeated. Anti-inflammatory medications, such as Advil, also help decrease swelling.

8. FLUID INTAKE IS IMPORTANT. Clear beverages, ginger ale, Seven-up, or Sprite, water, teas, soda, broth, soups, or juices are all suitable. Avoid hot liquids until the numbness has worn off, and the bleeding has stopped. Drink plenty of fluids.

9. AVOID USING A STRAW FOR SEVERAL DAYS. It may dislodge the blood clot and delay healing.

10. FOOD SELECTION. Soft, cool foods are most easily tolerated. A nutritious diet is most important to your comfort and temperament. Remember that eating can prevent nausea sometimes associated with certain medications. Supplements such as Ensure, Carnation Instant Breakfast and/or yogurt supply excellent added nutrition.

DO NOT EAT ANY POPCORN, POPPY SEEDS, SESAME SEEDS OR SEEDED FRUITS. THEY CAN GET STUCK AND CAUSE INFECTION!

11. Take any special medication such ANTIBOTICS we have prescribed on the special dosing schedule. Yogurt with active cultures or acidophilus should be taken while on antibiotics to prevent diarrhea. It is important to take the antibiotics to completion. If you are given antibiotics and take birth control pills, you should be aware that the birth control may become ineffective, therefore take appropriate precautions.

12. Take any regularly scheduled medication (for diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.) on your regular schedule unless advised to do otherwise.

13. TRY TO AVOID SMOKING COMPLETELY, as it tends to delay healing and interfere with regeneration.