Aftercare

Accompanying a patient following sedation | Excessive Bleeding | Swelling | Use of Antibiotics | Food & Drink | The Second Day and Thereafter | Frequently Asked Questions
 

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Accompanying a Patient Following Intravenous Sedation

The patient you are accompanying has had intravenous sedation. This involved the injection of a combination of drugs into a vein in their arm. For the next hour the patient may appear drowsy, have heavy lidded eyes, and may be slightly unsteady on their feet. Although the patient may appear to behave normally, it is advisable to have a quiet restful day following your sedation and surgery.

It is desirable that you should remain and observe the patient for at least the next hour

On the day of surgery the patient must not:

1. Drive a motor vehicle, or operate machinery.
2. Drink alcohol.
3. Take any drugs, other than those prescribed by their doctor or Oral Surgeon.
4. Make any important or responsible decisions.

Thank you for your help in assisting with the care of this person.
 

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If Excessive Bleeding Occurs

After oral surgery in particular after the extraction of teeth, some oozing of blood is normal. If excessive bleeding occurs this can be controlled by pressure using the gauze swabs provided.
 

1. Sit the patient up.
2. Fold the gauze square in half twice.
3. Place the folded swab over the site of the surgery.
4. Have the patient bite up firmly on the swab, to apply pressure to the area of bleeding.
5. The patient should keep pressure on the swabs as described for thirty minutes.
6. If bleeding continues while pressure is applied, check that the swab is over the appropriate site.

Advice to remember

Some oozing of blood into the saliva, with subsequent discoloration is normal. 
Sucking, spitting, rinsing or excessive talking will prolong bleeding. There is no necessity to rinse your mouth out vigorously and wash the extraction sites. Such behaviour is associated with increased bleeding or an increase in post operative complications. Exercise should be postponed for the first week following your oral surgery or at least till all swelling has subsided.
 

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Swelling

Some swelling, general discomfort and bruising is often to be expected. Swelling often takes up to three days to reach the maximum and then slowly resolves. The amount of swelling, and time it takes to resolve is extremely variable from one patient to another. The period of swelling can be anything from four to fourteen days. If your swelling has resolved and then returns you should contact Don Macalister.
 

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Use of Antibiotics

Antibiotics should be taken as prescribed, until they are finished. If for any reason you are unable to complete the course of antibiotics please advise me.
 

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Food and Drink

You should eat or drink whatever you can manage, and try not to skip meals as food will enable you to tolerate your medication more readily and will make you feel better in yourself. If you find taking solid food difficult initially, please maintain a good intake of fluids.
 

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The Second Day and Thereafter

Commence your normal oral hygiene as soon as possible. Use your toothbrush to clean those areas not involved in the surgery. Mouth rinses have the potential to wash away the healing clot in the early period of healing so should be very gentle.

SAVACOL mouthwash as supplied by most chemists.

Dilute 50/50 with hotwater to make a warm mouth wash. Warm salt water may also be used. Add half a teaspoon of salt to a glass of tepid water ( i.e: the temperature of drinkable tea or coffee). No smoking for at least three days following the surgery. No alcohol should be consumed for at least three days following surgery.

Please remember

If you are concerned about anything, or require advice or reassurance on any matter relating to your treatment please contact me on the following numbers:

Telephone : (09) 360 1069 or mobile 021 937 887
 

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