Oral Surgery With Post Op Care

1. Oral surgery include extraction/tooth removal both simple type and time consuming wisdom tooth removal, gum surgeries, dental implants, and other minor surgeries like frenectomies, (here a sling of soft tissue attached wrongly to the gums or tongue is excised)  pre-prosthetic surgeries (where alterations on the bone is done to achieve a smooth outline of the jaw within the oral cavity, which favors in delivering good dentures) etc. 

2. Once the surgery/extraction is completed, small  sutures are placed and you would be asked to bite on gauze piece/cotton roll placed on the extraction wound for 30 minutes. 

3. During this time, the gauze or cotton roll should not be disturbed, any collection of saliva laced with blood should not vigorously spat, this will cause delay in stoppage of bleeding. 

4. After 30 minutes, you should wash your hands and remove the cotton roll physically, avoid spitting the cotton out as it will further encourage bleeding. 

5. You are encouraged to consume a plain ice--cream without nuts or hot sauce. In case you are diabetic you can consume sugar free ice-creams or a cold juice without a straw. 

6. Once the surgery has been performed, there would be local anesthesia injected before will last for about 1.5 to 2 hours after surgery, you should avoid eating food until the anesthesia diminishes off, as you might hurt the numb areas of the mouth unintentionally and you should avoid cheek and lip biting after the surgical procedure. 

7. In case of gum surgeries, a special dressing will be placed on the surgical site to protect it and to stabilize the gum and the stitches placed on them. The material placed will harden after sometime and it may be left for a period of 7 to 14 days. If there is inadvertent loosening or the dressing comes off, you should contact the dental office immediately. 

8. You should maintain good oral hygiene and be careful while brushing in the area. Do not disturb the surgical area with your tongue and fingers and also do not pull your lips and cheek to look at the surgical site, this may alter the healing process. 

9. There might be a mild swelling after the surgical procedure, to minimize swelling you are advised to treat the area with a cold pack, you can use an ice-pack rolled inside a soft towel/cotton cloth. Towel should be held intermittently held  for 5-10 minutes over the cheek or the face corresponding to the surgical site. 

10. While sleeping, try to elevate your head over the level of heart, it will reduce the chances of post-surgical swelling. Swelling will gradually reduce and follow the prescription of the dentist very strictly. 

11. If you were previously wearing any appliance like night guard, orthodontic retainers etc, you should avoid wearing until dentist advises to wear them again. 

12. There may be minor bleeding, where a pinkish tinge to saliva may be seen for about 24-48 hours. In such scenario you need not worry. If the bleeding is severe, you should contact the dental office immediately.

13.  There might be slight sensitivity to cold substances after surgery, this condition will gradually reduce as the healing will occur. 

14. You should be on soft food diet and try to chew primarily on the opposite side where surgery has not been performed.  You should also avoid eating very hot food, this will increase bleeding tendencies, also avoid drinking juice using a straw as it will encourage bleeding with negative pressure created within the oral cavity.

15. You should avoid alcohol and cigarette during this period of 7-14 days, as it will prolong healing period and can cause complications.  

16. Gargling with salt and luke warm water is encouraged 4-6 times a day after 24 hours of surgery. 

17. You will be recalled after 7-14 days for removal of the surgical dressing and sutures.

18. If a flipper or removable partial temporary denture as replacement of the missing tooth or upon an implant is provided. It should not be removed for period of 24 hours, as it would be associated with bleeding. 

19. Again prescription should be followed strictly