DENTAL SURGERY - POST-OPERATIVE CARE

Proper care of the mouth following a surgical procedure can reduce complications and speed healing of the wound.

1. Discomfort :

Take two aspirin or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, etc) tablets every 4 to 6 hours as needed or 15 drops of ARNICA L1 complex every 2 hours - should you prefer homeopathic remedies. You may alsotake 2000 mg of vitamin C, 800 i.u. of vitamin E and 1000 mg of Kyolic garlic daily.

2. Bleeding :

Maintain gentle pressure by biting on the sponge for 30 minutes. If bleeding persists, replace sponge with a fresh one or a teabag and maintain pressure for another 30 minutes. Repeat as necessary. Keep head elevated.
30 minutes. Repeat as necessary. Keep head elevated.

3. Rinsing :

Avoid rinsing and spitting all day today. Starting tomorrow, rinse gently with warm, slightly salted water every four hours.

4. Oral hygiene :

Remove plaque daily, with brush and floss, in all other areas of the mouth. A clean mouth heals faster!

5. Eating :

Avoid hot foods today. Select soft and nutritious foods such as eggs, Budwig creme, home made soups and cooked vegetables. Chew on opposite side of mouth. Avoid all sugar, alcohol, white flour, milk products and juices for a few days to prevent infection.

6. Exercise :

Avoid strenuous exercise for the first few days.

7. Smoking :

Avoid smoking immediately after the surgery.

8. Hot/cold :

Avoid placing cold on the wound : this hinders healing. Use warm moist heat to enhance healing once bleeding has stopped.

9. Sutures

Return in 3 to 5 days to have the stitches out if they were used. Please make an appointment.

10.Complications :

In case of severe pain, excessive bleeding, fever or chills, or any development that may concern you, please contact us. We are here to care for you!
(Fees may apply for treatment of complications.)