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Post Operative Instructions
Post Operative Instructions – Tooth Extractions
• Do not drink through a straw, smoke, spit, rinse or create and pressure changes in your mouth (i.e. Sucking) for at least TWO DAYS after the surgical procedure. If you do, you may experience Dry Socket, an extremely painful condition caused by clot-breakdown.
• Use ice for the first 8 hours on outside of cheeks. (20min on, then 20 minutes off). This will help to reduce discomfort and decrease swelling.
• Post-operative pain is common after a procedure. Take the medications prescribed by your surgeon, and if pain still continues, try up to 600mg Ibuprofen in between doses of your prescribed medication (DO NOT TAKE MORE THAN 3.2g IN 24 HOURS!).
• Some oozing is expected after the surgery. Do not be alarmed if there is a red/pink color to your saliva for several days after the surgery. If some bleeding is noted, place gauze directly onto the surgical site and bite firmly for 30 minutes. If bleeding persists, bite on a moist tea bag for an additional 30 minutes (Tea contains Tannic Acid which slows bleeding). If significant bleeding persists from the surgical site, INFORM OUR OFFICE IMMEDIATELY.
• Some bruising may occur several days after the surgery. It is normal for the bruising to turn yellow after a few days and for it to travel down towards the neck. Do not be alarmed.
• Swelling is common after the procedure. You may have difficulty opening your mouth, stiffness in your jaw joints after the procedure as well. It will take approximately 4-7 days for these symptoms to improve.
• If you have any difficulty swallowing or breathing NOTIFY OUR OFFICE IMMEDIATELY, or proceed directly to the emergency room of your nearest hospital.
• Do not blow your nose, sneeze or create pressure changes in your mouth for 2 weeks, if any upper back teeth were removed, a sinus communication was indicated by your surgeon, or if ANY sinus surgery was carried out. You will also be restricted from air travel or scuba diving activities for 2 weeks following any sinus surgery.
• Some people react to surgical procedures by developing a fever. Tylenol may be given (NO MORE THAN 4g PER DAY FOR AN ADULT) to help control symptoms. If the fever is uncontrollable, please notify our office.
• No heavy lifting, excessive stair climbing or physical exertion should be carried out for at least 2 days after the procedure.
• Brushing of teeth should continue AWAY from the surgical site. A medicated rinse may have been prescribed by your surgeon, use as directed. Brushing may continue around the surgical site once discomfort ceases.
• Avoid crispy, crunchy or sharp foods (E.g. Chips, tacos, nuts & seeds), spicy foods and carbonated drinks for at least 2 weeks following the surgery. Soft diet is recommended for the first 48 hours. (E.g.: Luke warm puree soups, ice creams, mashed potatoes etc.). You may also have additional nutrition in the form of Boost, Ensure or Carnation instant breakfast & protein shakes if required.
• Infections sometimes occur after the surgery. If yellow oozing is noted, or increased swelling after the 3rd day following surgery, inform our office.
• Sharp bony fragments called “Spiculae” sometimes dislodge or become exposed several days after a tooth extraction. Do not be alarmed that there is another tooth growing in. These fragments often disappear with time, however, if problematic, please contact our office.
• Do not consume alcohol or any other prescriptions in combination to your prescribed medication (unless approved by your surgeon) as this can cause severe illness.
• If your surgeon used dissolvable stitches they will fall out on their own within 1 week. If other sutures were used a follow up appointment will be required to remove them.
• Use the curved syringe provided with warm salt water (make your rinse with ½ tsp salt + 1 cup of water) AFTER 24 hours and use after each meal. Be sure that the tip of the syringe is right in the extraction site and flush out the area gently. Use the tongue depressor to retract your cheek when doing the rinse. Continue using the rinse until your gums have fully healed.
If you have any questions about these instructions please contact our office. Surrey 604-531-8339 or Maple Ridge 604-477-1911. In the event of an emergency you may contact Dr.Lotay 778-899-6637
Implant Post-Operative Instructions
A Dental Implant is a surgical procedure, by following these simple guidelines you will help prevent complications, reduce discomfort and promote healing. Please read these instructions carefully to insure proper care is taken to maintain the health of your dental implant.
• Due to local anesthetic (freezing) your tongue or cheeks will be numb for 1- 4 hours. Take extra care not to bite down on your tongue or cheeks, as it may cause injury. Do not eat solid foods until the local anesthetic has worn off.• You may have gauze packs placed in your mouth after the procedure; leave them in place until 30 minutes after you leave the office. Continue to change the gauze every 30- 40 minutes until the bleeding has subsided. Bite down firmly on the gauze to apply pressure to the surgical site. Make sure to remove the gauze when eating or drinking and replace it only if bleeding persists.• You may also have stitches in your mouth, in most cases they are dissolvable and should disappear on within 5-7 days. Avoid touching them with your fingers or tongue as this may cause irritation to the surgical site. Never try to cut them out on your own.• Do not rinse your mouth for 24 hours; this includes vigorous swishing, or spitting, unless asked to do so. Do not smoke or drink through a straw for 3 days after implant surgery. After 24 hours you may rinse with a warm saline solution. (½ tablespoon salt /8oz water) Every 2 hours is recommended. Do not swish.• There may be some temporary swelling after the surgery; you can reduce it by applying a cold compress or ice to the outside of the cheeks or lips in the area of the surgery. It should be applied for 20 minutes on then 20 minutes off for the first 8 hours. After 24 hours you may add heat on the outside of your cheeks to help loosen tight or stiff jaw muscles, this will increase the circulation and promote healing.• Restrict any strenuous activities for 24- 48 hours after your procedure, this will help reduce bleeding and help the blood clot to form.• After 24 hours you may brush and floss your teeth like normal. Take extra care not to brush directly on the area of your implant to avoid trauma. A soft bristle brush with non-abrasive toothpaste is recommended. • Take extra care not to cause trauma to the implant site. Brushing to hard, clenching of the teeth, or rubbing the area with your fingers or tongue can cause tissue damage and slow down the healing process.• Avoid hot, spicy, hard or crunchy foods for 2-3 days after the procedure, they can cause injury or irritate the tissue. Avoid foods that have Nuts, seeds, popcorn, rice or any small bits that can get stuck in the surgical site, they can cause a serious infection and may risk the success of your implant. Remember to progress to solid foods at your own pace, some people take longer to heal than others.• Always take medications as prescribed by your doctor/dentist. Do not Mix medications with others unless instructed to do so. Never drink alcohol with any prescribed medications.If you have any questions or concerns don’t hesitate to call our office. If you cannot reach us you may contact your dentist during business hours, or the nearest hospital in the event of an emergency. Surrey Office 604-531-8339 or Maple Ridge Office 604-477-1911. Dr.Lotay 778-899-6637.
