Whether you have undergone a simple tooth extraction, the removal of an impacted tooth or a more complex surgical procedure, here are some tips to help you return home safely and reduce or even avoid possible post-operative complications.
Bite lightly on cotton pads placed in your mouth, maintaining constant pressure for about 30 to 45 minutes. If you notice, after removing the compresses, that the bleeding still persists, put another one back on (or even a wet, wrung out tea bag) and bite it for another 45 minutes. A slight bleeding is normal following surgery. Even if your saliva is stained with blood, don’t worry. Avoid rinsing your mouth or spitting and try to keep your head higher than the rest of your body when you go to bed. This will help reduce swelling and bleeding.
It is normal to feel some discomfort during the first 24 to 48 hours following a procedure. The degree of discomfort varies from person to person and according to the type of surgery. To minimize any possible discomfort, take the prescribed pain medication, at least for the first day. If you do not feel the need to continue the next day, you can switch to a different analgesic, but avoid aspirin-containing medications as much as possible. If antibiotics are prescribed, you must take all the tablets to fight the infection and you must not miss any doses.
Following dental surgery:
- Do not smoke for at least 24 hours following the procedure.
Surgery often causes swelling and localized inflammation. To prevent swelling or to decrease it, it is recommended to apply ice cubes placed inside a damp towel as soon as possible after surgery. The application of cold compresses should not last more than fifteen minutes per hour, and only during the first 24 hours. - It is possible that the movements of the jaw are more or less pain after surgery. In some cases, this sensitivity can last from 7 to 10 days. In this situation, avoid forcing your muscles and do not hesitate to modify your diet accordingly: soft and cold foods for the first day and more and more firm during the following days.
- After 24 hours, if the bleeding has subsided, brush your teeth normally, being careful not to irritate the healing area.
- If pain or bleeding persists beyond 24 hours, call us directly.
Do not hesitate to contact Monk Dental Center if you have any questions, doubts or concerns. Our team is here for you!
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Monk Dental Center in Montreal (Ville-Émard) offers general dentistry, family dentistry, implantology, orthodontics, denturology and much more. Our clinic is at the cutting edge of technology and our team is very proud to help the residents of the city of Montreal achieve healthy and radiant smiles! We are always accepting new patients.