After surgery in the oral cavity, the most important thing is proper hygiene of the wound and preventing it from becoming infected or damaged.
Doctor Bartosz Leończak, who performs surgical procedures at the Warsaw Dental Center clinic, has prepared a description of several complications that may accompany tooth extraction, implant implantation or bone regeneration.
To prevent them from happening, it is important to remain under constant care of a dentist and take appropriate preventive measures.
Bleeding
Bleeding after tooth extraction is normal and minor bleeding may be noticed up to 24 hours after the procedure.
Use the gauze that has been applied by keeping it tight for 30 minutes.
After this time, you should gently remove it.
If you feel it is stuck to your gum, take a sip of water to moisten it.
Doing so will prevent bleeding from happening again.
If you feel prolonged bleeding in the treated area, contact your dentist as soon as possible.
Edema
Try to stay in an upright position or, while lying down, raise your head using pillows.
An ice pack should be used for the first 12 hours after the procedure.
The swelling usually goes away completely within 7 to 10 days.
Facial muscle stiffness is normal and may be felt for up to 10 days.
Additionally, you may notice slight bruising, especially if the surgery involved your wisdom teeth.
If you have any concerns about swelling or the swelling has not reduced after 7 to 10 days, contact your doctor.
Pain
The nature and severity of pain depends on the extent of the procedure.
The dentist will prescribe the necessary pain medications.
Follow the instructions for your specific preparation and always consult your doctor before taking any additional medications.
If you are prescribed an antibiotic, take all pills to prevent infection.
Rest and regeneration
Rest after the procedure for at least 2 days.
Physical activity is not recommended for the next 3 to 7 days.
Usually you should be
able to return to normal daily activities within 48 hours after surgery.
Oral hygiene
Brush your teeth gently.
You should avoid vigorously rinsing your mouth for 24 hours.
Foam preparations are often recommended instead of mouthwash, e.g. Alfa Piana, which eliminates the need to vigorously rinse the mouth.
If you have had an extraction, do not try to remove anything from the tooth wound (socket).
A light rinse will remove any food particles from this area
Smoking tobacco
You should not smoke tobacco for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
By delaying healing and destroying the clot, smoking can cause a painful infection called dry socket.
The success of oral procedures is largely dependent on the patient’s post-treatment cooperation and compliance with medical recommendations.
If you have any doubts or are concerned, please contact your doctor.
The text was prepared by Bartosz Leończak, a doctor who deals with surgical procedures at the Warsaw Dental Center clinic.
