Wound Care

Facial Lacerations

• Clean the laceration with a mixture of half water, half hydrogen peroxide, three (3) to four (4) times daily to gently remove all of the scabbing and crusting from the wound.
• Apply a thin coating of antibiotic ointment after removing the crusting. Leave the wound exposed to air.
• The wound should not become excessively wet. Use care when showering, and pat the wound dry. No swimming until any sutures are removed.
• If there is prolonged exposure of the laceration to sun during the next six (6) months, #30 SPF should be used.
• If Steri-Strips are placed, do not remove them unless they are ready to fall off.

Oral and Dental Injuries

• If sutures were placed inside your mouth, they will dissolve in one (1) to two (2) weeks.
• Avoid sucking through a straw, smoking or spitting.
• Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water three (3) to four (4) times daily.
• Brush your teeth and gums gently as tolerated. Be careful of sutured areas.
• Injured teeth may develop problems weeks to years later, possibly requiring endodontic (“root canal”) therapy, restorations or even extraction. Watch for discoloration, tenderness or loosening of teeth, as well as swelling or drainage associated with the gums. If any of these problems develop, contact your general dentist or call our office.

Infections (Abscesses)

• Take prescribed antibiotics as directed on the bottle. Take the entire amount dispensed, even though you may be feeling better.
• Call immediately if you have increased swelling in the back of your mouth, throat, tongue, or difficulty talking, swallowing or breathing.
• Rinse your mouth with salt water three (3) times daily. Use one-half teaspoon of salt dissolved in an 8 ounce glass of warm water and gently rinse with portions of the solution, taking five minutes to use the entire glassful.
• If you have a drain in place, do not disturb or remove it.