Care after dental surgery
Modern dental surgery can involve treatment of teeth, their supporting tissues or any of the soft tissue in the mouth. Healing usually occurs quickly and without complications. However, problems can occur because the mouth can’t be sterilised and you use your mouth to eat, drink and speak while healing.
What to expect following dental surgery
Following dental surgery, the anaesthetic effect may continue for some hours. Your mouth may feel swollen and uncomfortable during this period. You can expect some pain because the tissues have been disturbed during treatment. There may also be slight bleeding, which is just enough to discolour the saliva for a few hours. There should be continual improvement until healing is complete.
Preventing complications after dental surgery
You can help prevent complications such as pain, swelling, infection and bleeding by following a few simple rules.
The blood clot that seals the wound is essential to the healing process. It prevents infection, helps new tissues form and stops the wound from re-opening. To avoid washing the blood clot away, don’t rinse the mouth for the first 4 hours after surgery.
You should also:
- avoid excessive activity for about 24 hours
- don't lie down flat, relax but keep the head elevated as this decreases the risk of bleeding
- don't place fingers, pencils or any other object in the mouth (to avoid injury or infection)
- to avoid injury, don’t bite or suck a numb lip, cheek or tongue; watch carefully that younger children don’t chew or suck a numb lip, cheek or tongue
- avoid smoking or drinking alcohol as it delays healing
- when eating, follow these tips:
- eat soft, nutritious foods such as soft-boiled eggs, finely chopped meat or cheese, custards, milk, soup or fruit juice
- chew on the opposite side of your mouth to the wound
- rinse your mouth gently after meals. Half a teaspoon of table salt in a glass of lukewarm water is an effective mouth rinse.
What to do if complications occur
The most common complications are pain, swelling, infection and bleeding.
Pain
Control moderate pain by taking paracetamol. Take this in the usual way and do not apply the drug to the wound itself. If the pain persists or worsens, return to the surgery where you were treated. In most cases, pain can be controlled quickly.
Swelling
Some swelling or difficulty in opening your mouth is common, but it should subside after a day or two. If swelling persists, return to the surgery where you were treated.
Infection
Continued pain, swelling or raised temperature may mean an infection. Infection may spread or seriously delay healing. If you suspect an infection, return to the surgery where you were treated for advice.
Bleeding
Continued bleeding is not normal. If your mouth is bleeding continuously:
- remove any excessive blood clots from the mouth as a first step
- you should then apply a clean and damp rolled bandage or small gauze pad to the wound
- keep the cloth in place by applying pressure or by firmly closing your jaws on it
- sit down and maintain pressure for at least 10 minutes.
If you can’t stop the bleeding using this method, contact the surgery where you were treated for advice. If it’s after hours, report to the accident and emergency department of the nearest general hospital.