Certain dental conditions require surgical procedures, which include tooth extractions, gum surgeries, placement of dental implants etc. Your family dentist may perform the procedure or refer you to an oral surgeon. After the surgical procedures, it is not unusual to have pain, swelling and bleeding to some extent. The surgical areas should be carefully monitored so as to ensure proper healing and to prevent infections or other complications. Make sure you contact a medical professional if you experience any of the following after an oral surgery:
- Excessive or continuous bleeding
- Fever
- Nausea/upset stomach
- Constant pain
- Swelling after two days
How Can the Dentist Ease my Pain?
Local anesthesia (Freezing) is the primary means for easing pain during dental procedures; however a general anesthesia can also be administered for more elaborate procedures. Make sure you follow the guidelines regarding driving home after any of these procedures, as well as any pre- and post-surgery special instructions.
Keep in mind that, as anesthesia wears off, you will start feeling pain which will last for a couple of days. You may also feel mouth is sore because your mouth was open for a lengthy period of time during the surgical procedure. Take time to rest so that you will be comfortable and the affected area can heal faster. Ensure that you take the prescribed painkillers and antibiotics to prevent any infection.
Stopping any Bleeding
In order to stop bleeding after an oral surgical procedure, your dentist or oral surgeon will place gauze pads which should be held in place for at least an hour under pressure by biting on it. Upon its removal, the bleeding may still continue, however it should be minimal. If this bleeding becomes excessive or continue for long, seek medical attention.
Treating the Surgical Area
- Keep the gauze pad in place and continue to apply pressure by closing the teeth firmly on the pad for one hour
- If bleeding continues, replace gauze and continue for another hour
- If bleeding continues beyond four hours, seek medical attention
- Rest and keep your head elevated to decrease blood flow to the affected area
- Avoid hot liquids as these can trigger bleeding
- Keep your mouth clean through flossing and brushing but avoid surgical wound
- Do not rinse your mouth within the first 24 hours. 1 day after surgery, gently rinse mouth with warm water
- For few days after the surgery, rinse mouth with warm water and salt up to five times per day
- If you are taking strong painkillers, do not drive or operate any machinery
- Do not drink alcohol, or use tobacco products for two weeks after the surgery
- To help with soreness, avoid eating any foods that are hard to chew and massage your jaws with a warm wet washcloth