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
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