POST-OP INSTRUCTIONS

The following steps will help prevent bleeding and relieve soreness:

REST:                            

Rest for a few hours following treatment and avoid strenuous exercise for the rest of the day.
Avoid smoking* for at least 2 days following oral surgery

RINSING:                     

Do not rinse until just before going to bed this evening. Then for several days following treatment rinse your mouth when you wake up, after meals and before retiring (at least 5 rinses a day) using a mouthwash made by dissolving 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.  Hold the solution in your mouth for 30 seconds, gently rinse, discard and repeat until the cup is empty.

FOOD:                         

Avoid hot fluids alcohol, hard or chewy foods during the next 24 hours.  Choose warm or cool drinks and soft or minced foods.

 Avoid sucking at or interfering with the wound.

BLEEDING:                  

Should slight bleeding occur sit upright with head and shoulders raised.  Apply pressure using the small pad of gauze provided (or clean linen) clamped firmly between the teeth for 15 minutes - repeat if necessary.

PAIN:                           

Occasionally after the extraction of a tooth, the blood clot in the socket can break down, leaving a painful empty hole in the gum.  This is called a ‘dry socket’. If the socket becomes painful a day or two after the extraction, this is usually the reason.
If it happens, contact us and we can book you in to get the wound cleaned and packed with a dressing; this will relieve the pain and reduce infection.

We recommend using an icepack (1 minute on, one minute off) after treatment to reduce swelling and pain.

 If you have any concerns, prolonged bleeding or pain, call 06 651 7645 (this number is diverted to a cell phone after hours, please leave a message and someone will return your call)

*Smoking will delay & complicate healing