Post-Visit Instructions
Family Dental Office, Kent WA
It is crucial that the patient is observed and cared for after your visit. It’s crucial that you adhere to the given recommendations to guarantee a quick and successful recovery:
Wound care
- Bite down firmly on the gauze pack for at least 30 to 60 minutes following the end of the treatment. then take it out slowly.
- For at least 12 hours, refrain from smoking since it will encourage unneeded bleeding and hinder healing.
Bleeding
- It’s usual for some blood to leak from the surgical site. In the morning, you can discover a bloodstain on your pillow. You should utilize an old pillowcase the night after your surgery, per our advice.
- Spit or drink through a straw are both bad ideas since they encourage bleeding.
- The tooth socket should be covered with a tiny, damp gauze pack for 30 minutes if bleeding returns.
- While sleeping, keep your head raised with numerous pillows or lie in a lounge chair.
Discomfort
- A little soreness following your surgery is expected. By taking the painkillers your dentist suggested, it can be managed but not cured.
- Please adhere to the directions listed on the exterior of the container for the pain medicine.
- While under the influence of painkillers, avoid operating machinery or drinking alcohol.
Diet
- It’s crucial to hydrate yourself well. Avoid drinking thick liquids using a straw as doing so could encourage bleeding.
- As soon as possible following the surgery, eat ordinary, everyday meals. Initially, ice cream or yogurt that is cold and soft could be most comfortable.
Oral hygiene
- For the first 12 hours following surgery, avoid mouthwash and tooth brushing.
- Every four hours when awake after at least 12 hours, gently rinse with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 oz. of warm water).
- Brush your teeth lightly, not completely. For two to three days, avoid the surgical region.
Swelling
- After surgery, swelling is a typical physiological response. Within 48 hours of operation, swelling reaches its peak and lasts for around four to six days.
- For the first 12 hours after surgery, place cold packs on the surgical site to reduce swelling and maybe make the area more comfortable.
Rest
- For three days, abstain from vigorous exertion.
Bruising
- You might see some light bruising where your operation was. This is not alarming and, for some people, is normal.
Stiffness
- Following surgery, you can have jaw muscle stiffness and restricted mouth opening. This is typical and ought to become better after 5–10 days.
Stitches
- If stitches were used, they could need to be removed in about a week. If doing so is required, your doctor will let you know.