Post Operative Instructions - Olympia Dental Practice
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Post Operative Instructions
BLEEDING:
The bleeding will be under
control by the time that you leave the office. Some oozing or blood
spotted saliva may persist for up to 24 hours. Should excessive
bleeding occur, it can be controlled with pressure. Apply a folded
gauze, which was dipped in water and wringed over the area for 45
minutes. This may need to be repeated. No spitting or excessive
rinsing is allowed.
PAIN:
Pain is best controlled with the
medications prescribed by your doctor. Pain medication is most
effective when taken before the local anaesthetics have subsided and
normal sensation has returned to the particular area. Do not take
pain killers on an empty stomach. Narcotic pain medication such as
codeine, oxycodone or hydrocodone may cause nausea, vomiting,
drowsiness, dizziness, itching and constipation. If these side
effects occur, discontinue the painkillers. If necessary, you can
replace this with another over the counter pain medication or contact
the office for assistance.
SWELLING:
Swelling may occur immediately
and increase gradually over 24 – 28 hours. Swelling from the
surgical will maximize at 48 – 27 hours. Ice packs applied
externally to the area at 20 minute intervals throughout the day of
surgery may help control the swelling, but only use them if the
dentist advised you to do so.
Sleeping with your head
elevated above your heart level for the first 2 post-operative nights
may tend to lessen swelling.
NAUSEA:
Nausea may result from the
general anaesthetics or the pain killers. Drinking a small glass of
carbonate cool drink will generally control mild nausea. Please
contact your dentist if the problem persists.
DIET:
Soft foods and lots of liquids
will be required for 24 – 48 hours after surgery. Avoid hot, spicy
foods. Do not drink through a straw or smoke (if you do) for at least
48 hours. If you had surgery only on one side of the mouth, favour
the other side for chewing the first few days.
ORAL
HYGIENE: Your oral hygiene
should not be neglected. Brush our teeth as usual and gently rinse
with warm salt water after meals. Do not brush on the surgical area
for 4 – 5 days.
ACTIVITY:
Activity should be restricted to
the minimum for the first few days. Strenuous work or exercise can
prompt bleeding.
If you had general anaesthetics or sedation, you need
to be driven by someone. Under no circumstances are you allowed to
drive for at least 24 hours.
FEVER:
After surgery it is normal for
the body temperature to be slightly elevated for 24 hours.
SIDE
EFFECTS: Side effects such as
ear ache, temporary tooth ache of adjacent teeth, restricted mouth
opening, stretching or cracking at the corners of the mouth or
discolouration of the skin may occur post operative. These are
temporary conditions that will improve as healing progresses.