Mouthcare after surgery

The three most common causes of concern to patients who have had surgery or extractions are discomfort, bleeding, and swelling:

Discomfort
Bleeding
Swelling

Discomfort

Most extractions and gum surgery can be carried out with very little discomfort; usually any that develops will respond rapidly to Paracetomol or Neurofen. It is important not to use tablets containing Asprin such as Anadin or Veganin for pain relief, as it can cause the wound to bleed. A mouthwash of hot salty water is often soothing, (hold a mouthful of the salt water over the area but do not rinse vigorously in order not to dislodge the blood clot). If severe pain develops please telephone us. 'Dry Socket' is a fairly painful, but surprisingly harmless condition which can occur following difficult, and sometimes even straightforward extractions.

Bleeding

Like any other wound, those in the mouth will bleed if disturbed. A small amount of blood in the mouth often looks like much more than it actually is because it is mixed with saliva. If the wound bleeds heavily then place a cloth pad, which has been soaked in hot water over the area, and apply biting pressure for an undisturbed period of at least ten minutes. After this the wound may continue to ooze. If heavy bleeding continues please contact us.

Swelling

Swelling is common after extensive surgery. This sometimes happens after implant surgery, apicetomy, and the removal of wisdom teeth. Every patient reacts differently, but usually most of the swelling will resolve after a few days. Swelling of this kind is not usually associated with postoperative infection.

Of course, one can eat and drink after surgery, but choose soft foods that do not cause discomfort, and wait until the anaesthesia has worn off to ensure you do not bite or burn your lip without realizing it. Patients who have had implant surgery should avoid eating crunchy or tough foods for the three week.

One of the best ways to speed up healing of the tissues is to keep them very clean. For the first twelve hours after surgery do not brush the immediate area, but do clean the rest of your mouth as usual. After this time it is most important that even the area that is directly adjacent to the surgical sight is kept clean; brush carefully around the tooth or implant - plaque is soft and is easily removed.