Post-operative Advice

Post-operative Advice

Oedema

Oral surgery can cause swelling (swelling of the cheek or lip) to a greater or lesser extent. This is a normal reaction of the body that will be limited by anti-inflammatory drugs that have been prescribed for you. To limit the swelling, you must apply an ice pack (it has been prescribed to you and can be bought in pharmacies) on the side of the face operated on, for about fifteen minutes several times a day for 48 hours after the operation. Do not use a hot compress. Rest your head and bust on pillows in order to help drainage of the oedema (especially at night). Long exposure to the sun is not recommended. Any swelling will begin to disappear between the third and seventh day following the operation. For bone surgery or surgery on impacted teeth, the oedema may be associated with a haematoma, a brown discoloration that can spread widely over the face and neck.

Bleeding

Bleeding may last for the first 24 hours. Saliva is red and the taste is present in the mouth. However, the mouth should not fill with blood. If the bleeding becomes severe, place 1 or 2 sterile gauze pads folded in 4 directly on the bleeding area and maintain firm pressure (with your teeth or finger) for 45 minutes. Absolutely avoid spitting, which would increase the bleeding. Avoid mouthwashes that may displace or loosen the blood clot during the first 24 hours. Avoid sucking or exploring the wound with your tongue or fingers. Very occasionally, a major bleeding may not stop on its own: in this case, contact the surgery or, if the surgery is closed, the surgeon who operated you on their mobile phone.

Pain

It can occur after oral surgery. Its intensity varies greatly from one person to another and depending on the nature of the procedure. It is reduced by medications that have been prescribed to you.

You have just had a gum graft?

If you have wished so, a protective plate has been made for your palate, to protect it to help healing and reduce pain through contact with the tongue and food. It should be cleaned by soaking it for 15 minutes in mouthwash and brushing it. Afterwards you can put it on only when you feel the need (for meals for example). The grafted area is protected by a pink dressing that falls off after a few days. Do not brush the graft area while you still have the stitches.

You have just had a sinus floor elevation ?

Apply the prescribed nasal spray. Avoid blowing your nose or, if absolutely necessary, do it as gently as possible. Sneeze with your mouth open (do not hold back). Nasal bleeding may occur and persist for 48 hours. Avoid flying or diving for one week after the procedure.

You have just had dental implants ?

• In general, after the placement of implants you will have healing caps (small metal balls) that protrude from the gums.
• After about ten days, the gum will have healed perfectly around the implants: it is then necessary to be careful not to let the white dental plaque accumulate on the healing caps that protrude from the gum, so brush them like the teeth, with a soft brush.
• These healing caps are a new element in your mouth and you may put your tongue on them, but be careful not to explore them too much with your tongue, as you could put significant pressure on them, which could compromise the osseointegration of the implants.
• If you are wearing a removable denture, the inside will be modified to leave the necessary space for the healing caps. As a result, the denture will be more difficult to keep in place: the use of special glue can help, but only after the stitches have fallen out. If it is more comfortable and not too aesthetically disturbing, you can also stop wearing it during this healing period.
• You will have to make another appointment with the surgeon who placed the implants in order to check their healing BEFORE you see your dentist again to have the prosthesis made.

After the realization of the prosthesis a radiological control at the surgeon’s is necessary every year.