Postoperative Tips - Dental Surgery
Your comfort and recovery are our top priority. Here's how to ensure a smooth, speedy healing process after your dental surgery.
1- Bleeding and Gauze :
- Apply constant pressure with a compress for 60 minutes. Repeat the sequence as needed until bleeding is controlled.
- If bleeding is still heavy, replace the gauze (or use a moist, squeezed tea bag) and bite down for another 45 to 60 minutes.
- Slight bleeding or blood-tinged saliva is normal.
- If abnormal bleeding persists after 24 hours, contact your dentist.
2- The First 24 Hours :
- Do not eat until the bleeding has stopped.
- Avoid rinsing your mouth, spitting, or drinking with a straw.
- Do not use mouthwash.
- Avoid smoking and exercising.
- Keep your head elevated above your body when lying down to reduce swelling and bleeding.
3- Medication :
- Some discomfort is normal for 24 to 48 hours. Take the prescribed painkillers.
- If antibiotics are prescribed, you must take all the tablets to fight infection.
4- Managing Swelling :
- To prevent or reduce swelling, apply ice (wrapped in a damp towel) as soon as possible.
- Apply ice for no more than 15 minutes per hour, only during the first 24 hours.
- Do not interrupt sleep to apply ice.
- After 48 hours, if swelling persists, apply warm compresses.
5- Hygiene and Diet :
- After 24 hours, if bleeding has stopped, rinse your mouth 5 to 6 times a day with salt water (1/4 tsp of salt in 8 oz/250 ml of water), especially after meals.
- Brush your teeth normally, but be careful not to irritate the healing area.
- On the first day, eat soft and lukewarm foods.
- In the following days, gradually eat firmer foods.
- Jaw movements may be painful for 7 to 10 days; avoid straining your muscles.
Occlusal Splint: Use and Care
Whether you’ve been wearing your splint for a short time or for a while, a few simple habits are all it takes to maintain its effectiveness and optimize your treatment.
1- Maintain It Regularly
- Brush your teeth and floss before inserting your splint.
- After each use, rinse it with cold water using a toothbrush.
- Let it air dry in its slightly open case.
- Once a week, soak it in a cleaning tablet (such as Polident for retainers) for up to 15 minutes.
- If you have a thermoformable retainer, soften it under warm water before each use.
2- Handle It With Care
- Always remove your retainer by applying equal pressure on both sides to avoid warping it.
- Avoid repeated twisting—the retainer is durable, but not indestructible.
- A slight yellowing over time is normal and does not affect its function.
- Keep it out of reach of your pets!
3- Remember Follow-up
- Wear your retainer as recommended by your dentist—it is designed to relax your muscles, not to be bitten or clenched intentionally.
- Bring it to each of your annual checkups, or as soon as a tooth has been restored, so that an adjustment can be made if necessary.
- The manufacturer’s warranty is valid for 60 days following receipt of the appliance—report any issues or discomfort promptly.
*Information regarding occlusal splints is provided by the Bellomo & Lambert Laboratory.
