Patients

It is normal to have some discomfort as the local anaesthetic (injection) wears off. We recommend you commence post-operative pain medication as soon as you get home from the surgery. Panadol and Nurofen in combination provide excellent pain management, often better than medications containing codeine eg Panadeine Forte. We generally recommend one Panadol and one Nurofen every 3-4 hours on the first day, then review whether you wish to continue this on the second day. Remember not to take more than 8 Panadol in any 24 hour period. If pain increases in intensity or cannot be controlled after 2-3 days you may have a post-operative infection. Please contact the surgery.

It is important that you tell us about ALL medications, vitmains and supplements you are taking BEFORE your procedure, as these may have an effect on how bleeding is managed. Bleeding after surgery or extraction is normal, however it should stop within 10-15minutes. The blood clot which forms is critical to the healing of the site and must be protected. It contains all of the nutrients and scaffolding to allow the tissues to heal. There may be some blood in the saliva for the first 4-6 hours. This is not unusual and will stop. If bleeding is unduly prolonged or excessive, place a moist (not dry) pad of clean linen, gauze or a clean handkerchief over the wound and apply firm and continuous pressure for 10 minutes. Repeat for a further 10 minutes if necessary. If bleeding persists, please contact the surgery.

The sutures (stitches) are generally removed after 7 days as they will usually be the non-resorbable type. During the week some sutures may partially work free and dangle from the surgical area. If this is annoying they can be cut off with clean sharp scissors or alternatively ask our advice.

A periodontal dressing may have been placed around your teeth to protect the area of surgery. This dressing should be left in place for as long as possible. Small pieces may chip off during the week, this is quite normal. If a large piece should work free within the first couple of days, please contact the surgery.

It is important you keep the rest of your mouth as clean as possible. Continue your normal oral hygiene procedures in the rest of your mouth, but avoid the area of surgery. We will give you a mouthwash to be used twice a day after brushing and flossing. This mouthwash reacts with toothpaste so you should ensure you GENTLY rinse your mouth 3-4 times with water after brushing. Using a capful of undiluted solution, gently tip your head from side to side and hold the solution in your mouth for ONE FULL MINUTE. You may also use a small amount on a cotton ball to gently swab the surgical area free of debris. You should not eat, drink or rinse for 30 minutes after using the mouthwash.

It is probable that you will feel quite exhausted and weak the first day. This is not uncommon and rest is the best cure. You may continue your regular daily activities but avoid exertion of any type for 3 days as this may cause the wound to bleed. If the site bleeds, the healing may be compromised.

Eating and drinking are important to maintain your nutrition, however be sensible. You do not need to confine yourself to a liquid diet, however hard, crusty or nutty foods should be avoided as they may traumatise the area. If you want a hot drink or food, allow it to cool for 5 minutes first to avoid excessive heat application to the wound. Both of these things can cause bleeding and compromise healing.

Please do not smoke! Smoking is detrimental to the healing process and will increase the pain from the wound area. Alcohol also compromises the healing process and should be avoided for at least 2 days after surgery.