The
three most common causes of concern to patients who have had
surgery or extractions are bleeding, swelling and discomfort:
- 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 Nurofen. 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.
Bleeding
Like any other wound, those in the mouth will bleed if they
are 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 at least ten minutes. After this
the wound may continue to ooze slightly. If heavy bleeding
continues please contact us.
Swelling
Occasionally, after extensive surgery, swelling may occur.
This sometimes happens after Apicetomies, implant surgery
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 or drinking dairy products
for the first 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 very carefully
around the tooth - plaque is very soft and is easily removed.
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