John....I didn't have surgical staples my stitches disolved. I brushed my teeth using the swabs no toothbrush and brushing real soft until my stitches disolved on my tongue. It probably took 10 days. You can get the swabs at the drug store. I couldn't leave the hospital until the drain was taken out. My drain was taken out on the 2nd day and I was out the door.

Also use Biotene mouth wash and toothpaste. No mouth wash with alcohol ever.

You might want to try tylenol over the counter.

Did you go to a Cancer Center?

Hope this helps.

Connie

SCC. of the left lateral tongue, anterior two thirds, T1 possibly a T2.
Left partial glossectomy, left selective neck dissection 4/21/09. Nodes clean, No Rad, No Chemo.

CT Scan 9/11 clean, CT Scan 9/12 clean


Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL. A+.

My hometown Lockport, NY.