lec 5 - post op management Flashcards
Done for the first 24-48 hours to minimize swelling and discomfort.
Cold compress / therapy
Swelling often peaks at ______ hours after surgery.
48-72 hours
Gently brush teeth, avoiding the surgical area for the first 24 hours. After that, the patient can begin rinsing with ______?
Saltwater solution (1/2 tsp salt, 8 oz water)
Dissolvable stitches typically disappear within _______ days.
7-10 days
Avoid smoking for at least _______ hours.
72 hrs
Avoid alcohol for at least _______ hours.
24-48 hrs
The most effective way to stop post-operative bleeding is by?
Applying direct pressure (bite firmly on a gauze pad for 30-60 mins)
If bleeding persists, using a moistened black tea bag, which contains _______, a natural vasoconstrictor, wrapped in gauze can help promote clotting.
Tannic acid
Placed into the socket or wound to aid in clot formation.
Gelfoam (gelatin sponge)
Acts as a scaffold to support clotting.
Surgical (oxidized cellulose)
Promotes clotting by converting fibrinogen to fibrin.
Topical thrombin
Used in tooth sockets to help stabilize the clot and promote hemostasis.
Collagen plugs
Suture that can help compress the socket and stabilize the clot.
Figure-of-8 Suture
In cases of persistent bleeding, it can be used as a mouth rinse or administer systematically. It works by inhibiting fibrinolysis.
Tranexamic acid
If patient is not hypertensive, it can be used locally to reduce blood flow and encourage clot formation.
Vasoconstrictors (epinephrine)
Commonly prescribed for mild to moderate pain.
NSAIDS
Dosage for Ibuprofen
400-800mg for q6-8h
Dosage for Acetaminophen
500-1000mg for q4-6h
Prescribed for more severe pain.
Opioid analgesics (hydrocodone, oxycodone)
These are opioid analgesics combined with NSAIDS.
Percocet, Vicodin
Dosage for Codein
15-60mg
Dosage for Hydrocodone
5-10mg
Dosage for Oxycodone
2.5-10mg
Done after 45 hours to relieve stiffness and promote blood circulation.
Warm compress
Prescribed to reduce inflammation and swelling in patients that underwent more extensive surgical procedures.
Steroids (corticosteroids, dexamethasone)
Sedation options if patient is ancious.
Benzodiazepines or nitrous oxide
Avoid commercial mouthwash for _________?
1 week
Normal flossing can be resumed after ______ hours, except around surgical site.
24-48 hours
Oral irrigators are avoided for _______ to prevent dislodging the clot.
1 week
Also known as Swelling, it is a common occurrence after oral surgery that can cause discomfort, delayed healing, and complications.
Edema
Cold compress is done at ______-minute intervals.
20-minute
May be done to promote lymphatic drainage and help solve edema.
Gentle massage
- It is the restricted ability to open the mouth.
- Usually after procedures involving the wisdom teeth, jaw, or TMJ.
- Can result from inflammation, muscle spasms, trauma to jaw muscles, or proximity to the TMJ.
Trismus
4 main causes of trismus
- Muscle trauma
- Surgical trauma
- Inflammation
- Infection
May be prescribed on a short-term basis to alleviate muscle tension.
Muscle relaxants (diazepam, cyclobenzaprine)
- Also known as Bruising
- Common in procedures that involve significant manipulation of soft tissues.
- Results from bleeding under the skin and can cause discoloration and mild discomfort.
Ecchymosis
4 Causes of post-op ecchymosis?
Trauma to blood vessels
Aging
Medications
Extent of surgery
A natural remedy to reduce bruising and swelling.
Arnica (Arnica montana)
Found in pineapple, an enzyme that may help reduce bruising and swelling.
Bromelain
Analgesics that are AVOIDED in the first 48 hours as they can thin the blood and potentially worsen bruising.
NSAIDS (ibuprofen, warfarin)
Normal progression of bruising changes color from red/purple to blue, green, or yellow and fading away over the course of ______ days.
7-14 days
Diet rich in vitamin ___ and K help for tissue repair and blood clotting.
C and K
Concealers with a _________ tint can neutralize purple tones of bruises.
Greenish
