A local anaesthetic is often used during the surgery. This may mean that your mouth feels numb when you wake up and for a few hours after the operation / procedure. Be careful not to chew or burn your lips whilst they are numb
First 24 hours:
- Please avoid:
- Exercise / exertion
- Gargling or swilling drink around the mouth
- Drinking from straws
- Smoking as this can cause bleeding
- Keep head up (45 degrees)
- Do not hold anything hot against the outside of the face
- Do not eat / drink anything hot
- Soft diet is recommended: Mash potatoes, jelly, scrambled egg, banana, macaroni cheese, soft cooked vegetables, warm soup
- Foods that are not recommended: Crisps, Chips, Rice, Couscous, Biscuits, nuts
After 24 hours:
- Mouthwash as directed
- Corsodyl Mouthwash (Use after every meal for 7 – 10 days)
- Salt water mouthwash (Use regularly throughout the day and after meals if not using Corsodyl)
- Mix 1 teaspoon of salt or bicarbonate of Soda in a mug of hot water- then leave to cool.
- Take a large mouthful and tilt head to the side so the warm solution floors the inflamed area
- Hold for 1 minute before spitting out
- Use a Soft toothbrush to teeth: Avoid gum sockets
Pain Relief:
- Please use usual analgesia such as Paracetamol & Ibuprofen
- More effective if taken on a regular basis (before the pain starts) over the next 2 – 3 days
What to do if bleeding occurs:
Bite Pack (Provided on discharge)
- Wet the bite pack (provided on discharge) with warm water
- Bite down on the damp bite pack for 20 minutes, sitting in an upright position.
- Remove bite pack gently
- Repeat if necessary.
- If the bleeding does not stop call one of the contact numbers above
Post Anaesthetic
No alcohol, driving, use of electricals/ machinery, caring for young children alone or signing legal documents – first 48 hours
Stitches
These are absorbable
Ref: 04/21/50
Review: 07/23