After Care Instructions for Oral Surgery (Tooth Extractions/Implant Surgery)

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After Care Instructions for Oral Surgery (Tooth Extractions/Implant Surgery)

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WOUND CARE

After Care Instructions for Oral Surgery (Tooth Extractions/Implant Surgery)

• Bite firmly on gauze until you arrive home, then remove it gently. Replace with new wet gauze. Keep biting on the gauze for at least 2 hours or until bleeding stops, replacing gauze when needed.

• DO NOT SMOKE for 7 days because this will promote bleeding, infection and interfere with healing.

BLEEDING

• Some blood may ooze from the area of surgery, which is normal. You may find a bloodstain on your pillow in the morning.

• DO NOT SPIT forcefully or suck through a straw, since this promotes bleeding.

• If bleeding begins again, place a damp tea bag directly over the tooth socket and bite firmly for an hour.

DISCOMFORT

• Some discomfort is normal after surgery but can be controlled by medication prescribed by the dentist.

Follow the prescription as advised by your dentist and the directions written on the container.

DIET

• It is important to drink a large volume of fluids. Eat regular meals as soon as possible after surgery.

Soft foods such as pudding, yogurt, ice cream, mashed potatoes or scrambled eggs may be the most comfortable the first few days.

ORAL HYGIENE

• DO NOT RINSE VIGOROUSLY as it may interfere with blood clot formation, which is vital to the healing process.

• Brush your teeth gently, but avoid the area of surgery.

SWELLING

• Swelling after surgery is normal body reaction. It reaches its maximum about 48 hours after surgery and usually lasts 4-6 days.

• Applying ice packs over the area of surgery for the first 24 hours (1/2 hour on, 1/2 hour off) helps to control the swelling.

REST

• Avoid strenuous activities for 24 hours after surgery.

BRUISING

• You may experience some mild bruising in the area of your surgery. This response is normal for some people and should not cause you any alarm. It will disappear in a week or two.

STIFFNESS

• After surgery you may experience jaw muscle stiffness and limited opening of your mouth, this is normal and should improve in 5 to 10 days.

STITCHES

• If stitches have been placed, they may need to be removed in two weeks.

After Care Instructions for Dentures

• New dentures may feel awkward for a few weeks until you become accustomed to them. You will learn to use the muscles of your cheek and tongue to keep them in place

• Saliva flow may increase temporarily. As your mouth becomes accustomed to the dentures, these problems should diminish.

• It is not unusual to experience minor irritation or soreness. One or more follow-up appointments are generally needed after a denture is inserted.

Eating with your denture

• Eating will take a little practice. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces. Chew slowly using both sides of your mouth at the same time to prevent the dentures from tipping. As you become accustomed to chewing, add other foods until you return to your normal diet.

Speaking with your denture

• Pronouncing certain words may require practice. Reading out loud and repeating troublesome words will help.

Leaving your denture out at night

• During the first few days, you may be advised to wear them most of the time, including while you sleep. After the initial adjustment period, you may be instructed to remove the dentures before going to bed. This allows gum tissues to rest and promotes oral health. Generally, it is not desirable that the tissues be constantly covered by denture material.

Using denture adhesive

• Denture adhesive can provide additional retention for well-fitting dentures.

• Denture adhesives are not the solution for old, ill-fitting dentures. A poorly fitting denture may contribute to the development of sores. These dentures may need a reline or need to be replaced.

Caring for your dentures

• Dentures are very delicate and may break if dropped even a few inches.

• Stand over a folded towel or a basin of water when handling dentures. When you are not
wearing them, store your dentures away from children and pets.

• Like natural teeth, dentures must be brushed daily to remove food deposits and plaque. Brushing helps prevent dentures from becoming permanently stained and helps your mouth stay healthy.

• A toothbrush with soft bristles can also be used. Avoid using hard-bristled brushes that can damage dentures.

• Some denture wearers use hand soap or mild dishwashing liquid, which are both acceptable for cleaning dentures. Avoid using other powdered household cleansers, which may be too abrasive. Also, avoid using bleach, as this may whiten the pink portion of the denture.

• When they are not worn, dentures should be placed in a denture cleanser soaking solution or in water.

After Care Instructions for Oral Surgery (Tooth Extractions/Implant Surgery)