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Advice following an Extraction or Surgical Procedure

What to do straight after the procedure

Rest for the remainder of the day. Avoid bending or stooping and any strenuous exercise
Avoid lying flat even when you go to sleep. Prop yourself up with an extra pillow or two. It may also be a good idea to cover your pillow with a towel for the first night.
Avoid rinsing your mouth out. This may disturb the wound and cause bleeding. It is OK to sip cool drinks gently.
Avoid eating until the numbness has gone since you may very easily bite your cheek, lip or tongue.
Avoid hot, spicy or chewy foods. Stick to lukewarm drinks and food and be sure to chew carefully away from the site of the operation.
Avoid smoking. It dries out the healing wound and often leads to infection.
Keep your mouth as clean as possible. Be sure to brush your teeth as normal but avoid the operation site. A clean mouth heals better than an unclean one.
Treat any bleeding by applying a compress made of lightly dampened gauze rolled up tightly, or a clean handkerchief used in the same fashion. Put it over the bleeding area and bite very firmly on it. Do this for about 20 minutes. Repeat twice if necessary. If the bleeding still does not stop, call us for advice on what to do next.

Some discomfort is to be expected. It is prudent to take some pain relief before the anaesthetic wears off. Take whatever painkillers you would take to relieve a headache, unless we have prescribed something specifically for you. Avoid aspirin.
Take all medications we have prescribed you as instructed and complete the course. Continue your usual medications as normal unless we have advised you otherwise.
Following surgery, it is not unusual to get some swelling or even bruising occasionally. This can be largely prevented by applying a cold compress to the associated area on the outside of your face, as soon as possible after the procedure. (A cold compress can be made easily from something like frozen peas wrapped in a towel)

What to do on the days after the procedure

Keeping your mouth clean is crucial over the next week. You must rinse regularly after every meal with a warm salt rinse. Make this by adding a teaspoon of salt to a mug full of warm water. Rinse the area thoroughly but gently and repeat until all the water is used up.
Carry on with all medications as above.
If you have stitches they are normally removed quickly and painlessly about a week later. If you do not have an appointment for this, call us to arrange one.

If you follow the instructions carefully, you should heal quickly and uneventfully.

Remember – If you have any queries or you are worried that something is not right, call us for advice.

Tel : 01392 44 40 44

the gentle dental centre