Post-op complications

Question 1

what post-operative instructions would you give a patient following an extraction?

Answer 1

• do not rinse out for several hours
• avoid trauma - avoid hard foods
• do not explore socket with tongue
• avoid hot food that day
• avoid excessive physical exercise
• avoid excess alcohol

Question 2

What post operative instructions would you give a patient following an extraction regarding bleeding?

Answer 2

• biting on damp gauze or tissue
• apply pressure for at least 30 minutes

Question 3

What is the prevalence of dry socket (alveolar osteitis)

Answer 3

2-3% of all extractions

Question 4

When does dry socket usually start?

Answer 4

3-4 days after extraction

Question 5

how long does dry socket (alveolar osteitis) take to resolve?

Answer 5

7-14 days

Question 6

What are the symptoms of dry socket?

Answer 6

• dull, aching pain, can be moderate to severe
• exposed bone is sensitive
• bad taste

Question 7

What are the risk factors for developing dry socket post extraction?

Answer 7

• molars
• mandible
• smoking - reduced blood supply
• female
• oral contraceptive pill
• excessive mouth rinsing post extraction - clot washed away