Oral Surgery - Post Op instructions

Question 1

What symptoms should the patient be aware of after an extraction? (6)

Answer 1

Pain 
Bleeding 
Bruising 
Swelling 
Sensitivity of adjacent teeth 
Stiffness in jaw and MoM

Question 2

What advice do you give regarding post op pain? (4)

Answer 2

Pain normal response - especially if it was a difficult extraction.

Take analgesia like you would for sorehead - paracetamol or ibuprofen - best for dental pain

Take analgesia before LA wears off

Take analgesia regularly for next couple of days and then just as required after that.

Question 3

What Information do you give regarding post op bleeding? (5)

Answer 3

Bleeding is unlikely but can occur

To reduce chances of further bleeding, avoid exercise, alcohol and any other activities that raise BP for 24 hours

Don’t explore socket with finger, tongue, TB

Don’t rinse for 24 hours then after that rinse regularly after eating (warm/warm salty water) and gently spit

Avoid very hot and hard foods for 24 hours and eat on the opposite side

Question 4

What advice do you give if post op bleeding occurs? (3)

Answer 4

(damp gauze and roll into a sausage shape)
Bite down on a damp gauze for 20-30mins

If still bleeding after this repeat for up to an hour

If bleeding doesn’t stop contact dental practice or the out of hours services

Question 5

How long does it take for swelling to reach its maximum?

Answer 5

2 days - then resolves naturally after that - use cold compress 15 mins on and 15 mins off

Question 6

when should patient seek medical attention for jaw stiffness? (2)

Answer 6

If prevents eating

If lasts > 1-2 weeks

Question 7

What rinsing advice should we give? (4)

Answer 7

rinse after 24 hours

rinse regularly after meals

use warm water or warm salty water
- 1 teaspoon dissolved

spit gently

Question 8

What brushing advice should we give? (3)

Answer 8

Brush as normal - clean mouth helps the healing process

avoid brushing the extraction area

use chlorhexidine if unable to brush

Question 9

What smoking advice should we give? (3)

Answer 9

avoid smoking for as long as possible
- delays healing
- increases chances of dry socket
(DS - clot partially/fully disappears or doesn’t form at all, NOT associated with infection)