Post-Operative Advice

Some tips to help you return to an active life

Whether you have had a simple dental extraction, an impacted tooth removal or a more complex surgery, here are some tips to help you get back home and to help you reduce or even prevent postoperative complications;

Bite lightly on cotton pads placed in your mouth, maintaining a constant pressure for about 30 to 45 minutes. If you notice, after removing the compresses, that the bleeding still persists, put another (or even a wet and wrung out tea bag) and bite on it for another 45 minutes. A slight bleeding is normal after surgery. Even if your saliva is tinged with blood, do not worry. Avoid rinsing your mouth or spitting and try to keep your head higher than the rest of your body when you go to bed. This will help decrease swelling and bleeding.

After surgery, it is normal to feel uncomfortable for 24 to 48 hours following the procedure. The degree of discomfort varies from person to person and according to the type of surgery. To minimize your possible discomfort, you should take the prescribed painkillers, at least for the first day. If you do not feel the need to continue the next day, you can change to a less powerful pain reliever, but avoid as much as possible aspirin-containing medications. If antibiotics are prescribed, you should take all the tablets to fight the infection and do not miss any dose.

Following surgery:

• Do not smoke for at least 24 hours following the procedure.
• Surgery often causes swelling and localized inflammation. To prevent swelling or to decrease it, it is recommended to apply ice cubes placed inside a damp towel as soon as possible after surgery. The application of cold compresses should not last more than fifteen minutes per hour, and only during the first 24 hours.
• It is possible that the movements of the jaw are more or less pain after surgery. In some cases, this sensitivity can last from 7 to 10 days. In this situation, avoid forcing your muscles and do not hesitate to modify your diet accordingly: soft and cold foods for the first day and more and more firm during the following days.
• After 24 hours, if the bleeding has subsided, brush your teeth normally, being careful not to irritate the healing area.
• If pain or bleeding persists beyond 24 hours, call us directly.

Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions, doubts or concerns. We're here for you!