Extractions, Wisdom Tooth Extractions, Gum or Implant Surgery

General instructions

■ Do not rinse for 24 hours. After that and for several days following treatment rinse your mouth gently after meals and before retiring using a mouthwash made by dissolving 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Hold the solution in your mouth for several minutes, discard and repeat 2-3 times.

■ Rest for a few hours following treatment and for the next three days avoid strenuous exercise. It is not advisable to go to the gym, lift and/or push heavy objects.

■ Brush your teeth using a soft toothbrush and rinse your mouth gently. Avoid brushing the surgical site as stitches may be present.

What to expect after your surgery

Numbness

■ If your tooth was numbed, please be careful not to eat or chew anything until that numbness wears away, but once the numbness wears off, you can eat straightaway. You may like to start with soft foods.

■ It is a strange sensation when the numbness is wearing off, but please do be aware that excessive biting and chewing of the lips and tongue can cause ulcerations or other damage to your teeth, lips, tongue, or gums while they are numb. Please watch children very closely.

Sensitivity and Tenderness

■ It is somewhat normal to feel some discomfort and tenderness in the treated area over the next few days. You may also feel some tenderness in your jaw from keeping it open for an extended period of time.

■ Stitches (if present) will be removed in approximately 7-10 days. They may come loose or fall out before the review appointment.

Bleeding and Swelling

■ Bleeding can be expected during the first 2 days after the surgery. Should slight bleeding occur sit upright with head and shoulders raised. Apply pressure using a small pad of gauze or a used teabag clamped firmly between the jaws for 15 minutes - repeat if necessary.

■ Swelling is common and may peak 3 days after the surgery. Applying ice packs immediately following the surgery will help in reducing the swelling.

Eating

■ Avoid hot fluids, alcohol, hard or chewy foods. Choose cool drinks and soft or minced foods. Avoid sucking at or interfering with the wound. Drink plenty of fluids and the use of straw is not recommended.

■ Smoking seriously retards the healing process and increases the risk of infection in the mouth. Avoid smoking during the first 48 hours following the surgery. Reduce smoking as much as possible to ensure proper healing.

Antibiotics

■ If we have given you a prescription for some antibiotics, please complete the course of antibiotics per the directions.

■ Antibiotics have to be in your system for a specified amount of time to be successful. If you stop taking them before the prescription states, your tooth may become infected.

■ Please be aware that antibiotics may interfere with the effectiveness of oral contraceptives (birth control pills).

Pain relief

■ If necessary, we recommend you take something for pain relief within one hour of leaving Artiste Studios, before the anaesthesia subsides. Ibuprofen 400mg is recommended, unless you have a medical condition that precludes Ibuprofen.

■ Paracetamol 1000mg is an alternative pain reliever, though it does not contain anti-inflammatory properties.

■ For more severe discomfort the above medications can be alternated every 2-3 hours (400mg Ibuprofen, wait 2-3 hours, then 1000mg Paracetamol. Wait 2-3 hrs, 400mg Ibuprofen, and so on)

■ Do not exceed the recommended dosages, and do not take any of the medications on an empty stomach.

Please call Artiste Studios if

■ You are experiencing symptoms more intense or of longer duration than those described above.

■ If excessive bleeding, undue pain or other symptoms occur contact us for advice without delay.