Helpful guide to post-surgery
Following these instructions will make your recovery from a dental procedure as quick and free of discomfort as possible. In most cases, you won’t feel a thing. If you do, normal headache remedies will work just fine.
Keep biting lightly on a gauze pad for 1/2 hour following your procedure.
Keep fingers and tongue away from the operated area to avoid bacterial infection and movement or dislodging of things such as sutures.
Do not rinse your mouth until the day after surgery, although it is permissible to drink cool or lukewarm liquids. Smoking should be avoided.
Starting 24 hours after surgery, rinse your mouth frequently with a solution of 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Continue the rinses for a few days. This speeds up the healing process.
If you have any discomfort, take whatever you normally take for a headache, every few hours. If necessary, your dentist will prescribe stronger medication for you.
Cold or lukewarm liquids may be taken for the first 4-6 hours. Alter this any soft food is permissible. Do not eat hard foods for at least 24 hours.
You will likely find some bleeding. It is normal for the saliva to be streaked with blood for a day. If you find the area to be bleeding; fold sterile gauze into a firm wad and place it directly on the bleeding area. Maintain firm pressure by biting gently for 20 minutes. The gauze may be substituted by a tea bag. The tannic acid in tea has a clotting effect.
Swelling and Discoloration is to be expected in certain areas, usually reaching its maximum two days after surgery. It will disappear gradually and is no cause for concern. If desired, an ice pad may be applied for the first 4-6 hours only, alternating 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off.
Sutures (Stitches), if required, are removed without discomfort in about 5 days. An appointment will be made for you.
Call the office if you have any questions about your recovery or any issues you are experiencing. You can reach Dr. Harland at 604.943.7421, or Dr. Greene at 604.943.9394
