Surgery in the mouth can involve teeth, soft tissues, and the bone of the jaws. Healing is quick in the vast majority of cases. By following these instructions you can better care for your wounds.
Even completely healthy mouths have bacteria in them and unless these are kept under check, an infection can occur.
Remember help and advice is only a phone call away.
PRE-OPERATIVE CARE
Avoid tobacco for at least 2 – 3 days. Better still use this as a chance to quit!
Brush teeth, gums, and tongue surface carefully paying attention to the molar teeth (rear teeth).
Shave your beard unless you usually sport facial hair.
Wearing of makeup is ok but unnecessary. Avoid nail polish which can interfere with the pulse oximeter. Lip stick is inadvisable as it can get smudged.
Shampoo your hair thoroughly with your morning shower.
For procedures with a General Anaesthetic or IV Sedation: You must not eat or drink for six hours prior to surgery. Take all your usual Medicines unless specifically ordered not to. Even though you are fasting you are allowed to take tablets with a tiny sip of water (not milk or other fluids).
For procedures performed under Local Anaesthesia there is no need to fast. Eat and drink as you would normally.
Take all your routine prescribed medications the day of surgery unless specifically ordered not to by Dr Younessi or another doctor actively involved in your management. If you are unsure please ask. Do not simply stop medicines.
Please wear loose, comfortable clothes and shoes.
Do not wear jewellery unless these cannot be safely removed.
If you are being sedated you must be accompanied by a responsible adult (age of 18 or older). This person is required to stay on site during your surgery and receive post-operative instructions along with you. Your recollection is typically clouded.
An escort is not a must if you are having local anaesthesia procedures unless, of course you are a minor, or prefer to have support from family or friends.
You will be given written and oral instructions and sometimes a “take away” mouth pack. There may be a script for medicines.
Have the medicines dispensed and comply with all instructions carefully please.
If there is still any confusion please telephone for advice.
You are required to pay for surgery on or before the day of the treatment. This payment includes gap amounts not covered by the insurance company.
POST-OPERATIVE CARE
DOS
Rest at home, avoiding strenuous exercise.
If there is still gauze in your mouth you can remove it once home. Wrap it in tissue and put it in the bin. Do not flush it down the toilet! Use ice packs if they help.
Drink lots of fluids and eat normally. Small frequent helpings are better. You must avoid hard foods such as apples, bread rolls, or steak.
Foods such as jelly(Jell-O), pasta, well cooked fish, soft bread soaked in soup and the like may be better.
Brush your teeth and wash your mouth with salty water – holding your tooth brush under hot water softens the bristles making it easier to use. Rinse with salty water at least 12 times a day. You do not need to disturb your sleep to do this!
If you are given a syringe for hygiene please use it. If you are unsure how, please ask.
The temperature of the water used for rinsing is of no consequence but be sure not to burn yourself. Use clean boiled water and about two full table spoons of salt for an average tumbler of water.
DON’TS
Don’t rinse your mouth on the day of surgery too vigorously. This can dislodge the blood clot.
Don’t lie flat after the operation. Keep your head elevated on extra pillows.
Don’t smoke or drink alcohol. Cigarettes will deny your mouth oxygen and will increase the chance for infection.
Don’t burn yourself with hot foods or drinks whilst you remain numb(usually around 8 hours).
Don’t chew your lips to test numbness, you can cause lip injuries.
Don’t drive or operate machinery if you have been sedated or had a general anaesthetic for at least 24 hours. If you are still affected beyond 24 hours continue to refrain from these activities. There is usually no such restrictions for surgery having been performed under local anaesthesia.
BLEEDING
Your mouth will ooze gently after surgery for several hours. This is normal.
Small amounts of blood can get mixed in with saliva and appear to be more extensive.
Clean your mouth once with cold water, then bite on a gauze piece or a clean handkerchief for 30 minutes by the clock.
PAIN AND SWELLING
Moderate pain is to be expected, for which you are given painkillers post-operatively. Swelling in most cases peaks on day three then quickly gets better.
If the painkillers you are prescribed are not working try over the counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines.
NAUSEA AND VOMITING
Stop foods and medications and try swallowing fine crushed ice which can settle the feeling. Sip small amounts of “fizzy” or flat drinks or even water but make sure these are cold.
Tea and coffee can make nausea worse.
Resume bland diet slowly. Reintroduce medicines one at a time.