Caring for your mouth after surgery Post-operative instructions following a tooth extraction or oral surgical procedure. A little discomfort, swelling and blood-stained saliva are all normal in the first few days. Following the simple guidance in this leaflet will keep you comfortable, protect the healing socket and reduce the risk of complications. Please read it before the local anaesthetic wears off, and keep it to hand for the week ahead. If anything worries you at any stage, please telephone 0118 959 0222 39 London Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 5BL · www.kendrickdental.co.uk
SECTION ONE The first 24 hours Numbness The numbness may last up to three hours. While your lip, cheek or tongue feels numb, avoid hot food and drinks, and take care not to bite or chew the soft tissues by accident. Bleeding Blood-stained saliva is normal for 24–48 hours. If bleeding is persistent, roll a piece of damp gauze into a firm pad, place it over the socket and bite down steadily for at least 15 minutes without checking it. Sit upright and stay calm. Pain relief Begin your painkillers as the anaesthetic starts to wear off, rather than waiting for pain to build. Discomfort is often worst on the second or third day and then improves steadily over 7–10 days. Paracetamol and ibuprofen, taken as directed on the packet, control most post-operative pain. If you cannot take either for medical reasons, please speak to us or to your pharmacist first. Do not exceed the stated dose, and avoid aspirin as it may increase bleeding. Swelling and bruising Swelling is common after surgery on the jaw. It usually reaches its maximum 2–3 days afterwards and settles within 7–10 days. Bruising of the face occasionally appears and can take up to two weeks to fade. A covered cold pack held against the cheek for 10 minutes at a time during the first day may help. Do not rinse today Do not rinse your mouth for the rest of today. Rinsing, spitting or using a straw can disturb the blood clot in the socket and restart the bleeding. Salt-water rinsing begins tomorrow — see overleaf. Today, in short Rest quietly and sit upright; avoid bending, lifting and hot drinks. No rinsing, spitting, straws, smoking or alcohol. Start your painkillers before the numbness wears off. Soft, cool food once the numbness has fully gone. • • • • • • • Page 2 Post-operative instructions
SECTION TWO The days that follow Warm salt-water rinsing From the day after your surgery, rinse gently with warm salt water. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a mug of water as warm as you can comfortably hold in your mouth. Take a mouthful, hold it still over the area for a couple of minutes, then let it fall out of your mouth. Repeat four times a day, especially after eating, for about a week. This flushes food debris from the socket and assists healing. Eating and drinking Choose soft, cool or lukewarm foods for the first day or two and chew on the opposite side. Your mouth opening may be restricted for around a week, so build back up to a normal diet gradually and at your own pace — do not force your jaw open before it is ready. Keep well hydrated, but avoid straws, very hot drinks and alcohol while the socket is healing. Cleaning your teeth Keep your mouth clean. Brush your other teeth gently as normal, even on the day of the procedure, and continue interdental cleaning away from the surgical site. Avoid brushing directly over the wound while it is tender, but do not neglect the area altogether once it begins to settle. Stitches If stitches (sutures) have been placed, these are usually the dissolving type and will loosen and come away by themselves over 7–10 days. There is no need to be alarmed if one comes out early. If you were asked to return for their removal, this will have been arranged with you. Smoking, alcohol and exercise Please do not smoke or vape while you are healing. Stopping even for these few days improves the blood supply to the socket and markedly reduces the risk of infection and dry socket. Avoid alcohol and strenuous exercise for the first 24–48 hours, as both can encourage bleeding. How healing progresses Days 1–2 — blood-stained saliva, swelling building, mouth opening reduced. Days 2–3 — swelling and discomfort at their peak. Days 4–7 — steady improvement; stitches begin to loosen. Days 7–14 — any bruising fades and normal function returns. • • • • Page 3 Post-operative instructions
SECTION THREE If you are concerned Dry socket Dry socket affects 5–10% of patients. It shows itself as intense, persistent, throbbing pain beginning 3–5 days after the extraction, once the initial soreness has already started to settle, and it is often accompanied by an unpleasant taste. It is not dangerous, but it does need treating. Please contact the practice as soon as possible: we will irrigate the socket gently, remove the trapped debris and place a soothing dressing. Please ring us if you experience Bleeding that does not stop after 15 minutes of firm pressure on gauze, or that is heavy and fresh rather than blood-stained saliva. Pain that is severe, worsening after the third day, or not controlled by your usual painkillers. Swelling that continues to increase after three days, spreads towards the eye or neck, or makes swallowing or breathing difficult. A raised temperature, feeling generally unwell, or a bad taste and discharge from the wound. Numbness of the lip, chin or tongue that has not recovered several hours after your appointment. A sharp fragment that persists in the socket, or any concern at all that you would like to talk through. How to reach us Telephone 0118 959 0222 — during practice opening hours Email reception@kendrickdental.co.uk In person 39 London Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 5BL Out of hours Please follow the message on our answering service, or call NHS 111 for urgent advice. In a medical emergency, such as difficulty breathing or swallowing, call 999. • • • • • • Given to patient by Date 39 London Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 5BL · T. 0118 959 0222 E. reception@kendrickdental.co.uk · www.kendrickdental.co.uk
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