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134 North Hill   Plymouth, PL4 8LA   phone: 01752-661315

Perfect smiles from cosmetic dentistry in Plymouth

General Surgical Instructions

Post Operative Instructions

Prescriptions and Medications:

  • A sedative is available upon request.
  • The sedative must be taken 40 minutes prior to appointment.
  • If a sedative is taken, you must have a driver.
  • If Ibuprofen and/or an antibiotic are prescribed, begin taking as directed on your prescription.
  • We advise you to take the pain medication before your numbness wears off. It may be taken in the office after your surgery.
  • Avoid alcohol and aspirin 3 to 5 days prior to surgery, as they are blood thinners and may cause excessive bleeding and delay healing.
  • Please eat a good meal before your appointment, as you will be numb when you leave and not feel like eating for a while.

Have an Ice Pack at Home:

  • The use of ice will help reduce swelling and pain after surgery.
  • Ice is useful for the first 6-8 hours after surgery.
  • Moist heat may be applied the day following surgery, for additional comfort.

Diet Suggestions:

  • Have soft foods available: pasta, eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, tofu and potatoes are good choices.
  • Make certain to eat prior to surgery, you may not feel much like eating after surgery, and it will be helpful when taking your medications.
  • Avoid caffeine before surgery.

Recuperation:

  • Allow 24 to 48 hours of rest after your surgery.
  • Minimize your activity during this time.
  • Avoid activities that will elevate your heart rate and blood pressure.
  • Healing will occur much faster by resting.

Extraction

Rest:

  • Rest quietly with your head elevated for the remainder of the day.
  • Always get up slowly from a reclining position to prevent dizziness.
  • Limit physical activity as if you have a cold or the flu.
  • To encourage rapid healing please REST!

Ice:

  • As soon as possible, place an ice pack on your face over the surgical area; 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.
  • Use the ice pack for the first 6 hours following surgery. This will contribute to your comfort and minimize swelling.
  • Moist heat may be applied the day following surgery for added comfort.

Medication:

  • Ideally, pain medication should be taken BEFORE numbness wears off. You may wish to take your pain medication at our office immediately following surgery.
  • If the pain medication seems to wear off before it is time to take more, you may want to alternate it with Ibuprofen every two hours. (Ibuprofen: Adults do not exceed 800mg four times a day.)
  • If an antibiotic was prescribed, take it as directed until it is ALL GONE.
  • Some pain medications may cause lightheadedness. Lying down will help this.
  • Some medications may cause an upset stomach. Taking these with food will lessen this effect.

Mouthcare: 

  • Do not brush, floss, rinse and spit the day of surgery as it can dislodge the clot that has formed in the extraction site.
  • Begin rinsing with Corsodyl mouth-wash 24 hours after your surgery.
  • You may begin to brush NON-SURGICAL areas the day following surgery. Remember to rinse very gently. You may begin brushing the surgical areas 2 days after surgery.
  • When brushing the surgical area, use the provided soft toothbrush or run your toothbrush under hot water first to soften the bristles.

Eating:

  • Eat softer foods such as pasta, eggs, yogurt, baked potatoes or hot cereal.
  • Avoid extremes: very hot, very cold, acidic foods such as oranges and tomatoes. Also avoid chewy or sharp foods.
  • Maintain a balanced diet.

Fluids:

  • Fluids should be consumed as soon as possible. It is recommended that you drink 6-8 glasses of water over the remainder of the day following surgery.
  • Avoid using a straw as it may cause a suction, which may loosen clotting and cause bleeding.

Bleeding:

  • Some seepage of blood is expected, however, extensive bleeding should not occur. If such bleeding does occur, apply firm pressure with moist gauze or a warm, moistened tea bag to the area for 20 minutes. If bleeding does not subside, please call.

Alcohol/Aspirin:

  • DO NOT CONSUME ALCOHOL WHILE ON PAIN MEDICATION!
  • Avoid the use of alcohol and aspirin products for 2 days after surgery or until you are no longer taking pain medication. These are both blood thinners and may cause bleeding and delay the healing process.

Swelling:

  • Some swelling often occurs and this is normal. However, if swelling seems excessive and is accompanied by fever, please call immediately.

Smoking:

  • We strongly advise NOT SMOKING after surgery. Smoking delays the healing, increases discomfort, and may encourage bleeding and infection in the surgical site.

If you have any questions or concerns please call us at 01752 - 661315