Post Operative Checks And Instructions

Question 1

What should you check on the tooth and socket when it is extracted?

Answer 1

Check tooth apices to ensure they are intact

Check the socket for any remaining tooth tissue (extract if easy to do so)

Question 2

What should you do to the patient post extraction to help stop bleeding?

Answer 2

Get patient to bite down on wet gauze for 5-10 minutes, then check haemostasis

Question 3

What post operative advice would you give with regards to pain?

Answer 3

Pain is to be expected post op and it is variable, some people have it worse some people have it easier

Should clearer up in 1-3 days, but can be up to two weeks if you have a dry socket

Question 4

How would a patient manage pain post op?

Answer 4

Ibuprofen or paracetamol

Take it before the local anaesthesia wears of, use this for 1-3 days

Question 5

Who can you not give ibuprofen to?

Answer 5

Elderly

Hepatic, renal or cardiac impairment

Asthma if previous issues with ibuprofen

Already on other NSAIDS

Long term systemic steroids

Question 6

What dose ibuprofen should be given?

Answer 6

200/400mg tablets

Max dose is 2.4g daily

3/4 doses per day

Question 7

What cautions should be considered for paracetamol

Answer 7

Hepatic or renal impairment

Alcohol dependence

Question 8

What dose of paracetamol should be given?

Answer 8

500mg tablets, max dose is 4 grams per day

Take 0.5-1g every 4-6 hours

Question 9

What post operative information should be given with regards to bleeding?

Answer 9

It is unlikely

Do not explore the socket with your tongue, finger or toothbrush

Avoid any exercise or rushing around that day due to raising blood pressure

Avoid hot and hard foods in case of burning yourself from lack of feeling or due to dislodging clot

Avoid alcohol and smoking

Rinse with warm salt water the next day, 4 times per day

Clean area of wound with cotton buds if unable to use a toothbrush at first

Question 10

What advice should be given should it bleed at home?

Answer 10

Bite on wet gauze for 20-30 minutes

If it doesn’t stop then try for an hour

If it still doesn’t then contact the practice

Question 11

What other symptoms may a patient feel?

Answer 11

Adjacent tooth sensitivity

TMJ stiffness or muscle stiffness

Limited mouth opening

Bruising or swelling in the area