For specific aftercare advice, please select a topic from below

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

   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 two to four hours the patient may appear drowsy, have heavy lidded eyes, and may be unsteady on their feet. Although the patient may appear to behave normally, the drugs and their effects will continue to act until the following day.

It is desirable that you should remain and observe the patient for at least the next two hours.

The patient must not:

1. Drive a motor vehicle, or operate machinery.

2. Drink alcohol.

3. Take any drugs, other than those prescibed 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.

   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 discolouration is normal. Keep your head elevated and rest quietly for at least the next twenty four hours. Sucking, spitting or excessive talking will prolong bleeding. Do not rinse your mouth for twenty four hours. Exercise should be postponed for the first week following your oral surgery.

   Swelling

Some swelling, general discomfort and bruising is 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.

   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.

   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.

   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 rinsing is essential at least three times a day for seven to ten days. The following mouth rinses are recommended.

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