oral surgery

Question 1

what 6 common things should patients expect after extraction

Answer 1

pain
bruising
swelling
bleeding
infection
TMJ stiffness

Question 2

advice to patient about pain post extraction

Answer 2

very variable
recommend taking analgesia before LA wears off
ideally ibuprofen if not paracetamol, these can also be taken in combo
max dose ibuprofen = 2.4g
max dose paracetamol = 4g (8 tablets)

Question 3

advice to patient about bleeding post extraction

Answer 3

a little is to be expected and blood stained saliva over next couple days is normal
if site does bleed bite on damp gauze for 20-30 mins
if continues contact practice or out of hours

Question 4

advice to patient about swelling post extraction

Answer 4

very variable
if does occur ice pack may help
if continues increasing in size after 48 hours or worried about infection get in touch

Question 5

advice to patient about bruising post extraction

Answer 5

very variable
don’t be alarmed if bruising appears on face around area of extraction site
more common in surgical extractions

Question 6

advice to patient about infection post extraction

Answer 6

uncommon
if swelling continues after 48 hours or discharge from site get in touch

Question 7

advice to patient about jaw stiffness post extraction

Answer 7

pain and stiffness of jaw muscles and joints is to be expected
can take up to 2 weeks to settle
soft diet may help

Question 8

general points to cover when giving post op advice to patient (7)

Answer 8

smoking
alcohol
hard foods
hot drinks
exercise/ raised BP
toothbrushing
salty mouthwash

Question 9

smoking post op

Answer 9

avoid for as long as possible
can impair healing and increase risk of dry socket

Question 10

alcohol post op

Answer 10

no alcohol for rest of day
impairs healing

Question 11

hard foods post op

Answer 11

avid for rest of day , may disturb clot

Question 12

hot drinks post op

Answer 12

avoid for rest of day, can dislodge clot

Question 13

toothbrushing post op

Answer 13

brush other teeth as normal at nighttime but avoid extraction site
spit very gently

Question 14

salty mouthwash post op

Answer 14

next day , rinse with salty mouthwash after eating to help keep area clean

Question 15

additional post op advice for surgical extractions

Answer 15

advice regarding sutures
are they resorbable or will they need to be removed
most resorbable will disappear within 2 weeks