Post-treatment instructions

The first 24 hours

Everyone’s teeth have a protective layer called the acquired pellicle. This layer contains surface stains, and is removed during the procedure. It takes about 24 hours for the barrier to fully develop again - during this period, please do not consume dark foods. Smoking is not recommended.

We recommend a white and clear food diet for the first 24 hours

• Milk, water, clear soda, tonic
• Bananas, apples and pears (no peels), cauliflower
• Plain or vanilla yoghurt, white cheese, cottage cheese, egg whites, sour cream
• White bread, flour tortillas, saltine crackers, oatmeal, cream of wheat
• Pasta with white sauce, white rice, mashed potatoes, baked potato (no butter)
• Skinless chicken breast, turkey, white fish, pork loin or chops

If you experience discomfort

You may take the headache medication of your choice - and please feel free to contact your dentist with any questions or concerns.

Aftercare

Local anaesthetic has been administered to you. Please do not chew or suck your lip, cheek or tongue, as this may cause bruising.

Bleeding

• Remove the gauze from your mouth after 30 minutes. If bleeding continues, replace the gauze over the wound and bite firmly for 15 minutes; repeat if necessary
• Do not eat, sleep or drink with gauze in your mouth
• Slight bleeding may continue for 24 hours or so - this is not unusual and no cause for alarm
• Do not rinse or swish vigorously, and do not spit, for the first 24 hours
• If you are concerned about bleeding, please call the clinic

Nutrition

Until the anaesthetic wears off, do not eat, drink or smoke anything. Maintaining an adequate diet after the procedure is essential - go on a soft diet initially, and keep your mouth clean by brushing and rinsing gently after meals.

Swelling

Should there be swelling, an ice pack may be placed outside the face, over the area of surgery. If you encounter severe and persistent bleeding during working hours, return to the dental clinic.

Bleeding

• Slight bleeding may continue for 24 hours or so - this is not unusual and no cause for alarm
• Do not rinse or swish vigorously, and do not spit, for the first 24 hours
• If you are concerned about bleeding, please call the clinic

Swelling

You can expect some swelling following your surgery; it may take three to four days to reach its maximum. To help alleviate it, ice packs may be placed outside the face over the area of surgery - 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off on the first day.

Oral hygiene & discomfort

Avoid brushing the surgical area for the first 24 hours, but keep the remainder of your mouth clean. The amount of discomfort varies from patient to patient - the medication given to you should be used as prescribed, and should control it.

Nutrition & rest

Until the anaesthetic wears off, do not eat, drink or smoke anything. Favour soft food you can eat on the opposite side of the mouth - soup, milkshakes, pasta, soft vegetables, chicken or fish - and keep fluids up: aim for eight glasses a day to help avoid a slight fever after surgery.

Get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activity for a few days - even if you have no discomfort today, we advise that you read, watch television and relax. If you are a smoker, remember that smoke is an irritant to healing tissue and will delay your healing.

If you experience severe bleeding or pain, please call the clinic or the emergency number.