Postoperative behaviour

Postoperative behaviour

1. After local anaesthetics and the strains of the surgical operation, your ability to respond might decrease for several hours. That is why you should not drive a vehicle after surgery. Let someone bring you home. Please do not eat or drink hot liquids until the numbness subsides. risk of injury!

2. To protect the wound and provide an unhindered blood clotting, bite on the swab placed by your dentist for about one hour. Then, remove or split it out. If you received a pressure bandage (uncommonly), please follow the instructions of your dentist. In case of secondary bleeding, bite down on a clean, moist cloth for half an hour. When in doubt, please call your dental practice.

3. To reduce swellings after surgery, cold packs can be very helpful. Please do not put ice packs directly on your skin. Due to the anaesthetics, you might not feel if you get frostbite. If you would like to rest at home, please use a thick pillow and try not to lie flat.

4. Please do not smoke today! Smoking may cause bleeding and impede the healing process. For the first few days after surgery, you shouldn’t have a sauna as well.

5. When the effects of the anaesthesia subside, you should start with soft foods for a couple of days. Avoid milk products and soups which may lead to film build-up. While chewing, do not strain the treated side.

6. If you have problems to open your mouth completely after surgery, don’t be alarmed. However, if you have lockjaw, sensation disorders or if pain becomes stronger, please contact us or the closest emergency.

7. Avoid any physical stress for the next few weeks after surgery. This applies in particular if your dentist gave you a certificate of incapacity for work. Please note that no separate recovery certificate is necessary.

8. Brush your teeth and prostheses regularly. Do not brush the treated site and rinse your mouth very gently. You can use electric tooth brushes around the site treated but please do not use oral irrigators until the wound has healed.

9. If a medication has been prescribed, please follow the intake order precisely and note the maximum permissible dose which is especially importatn in case of painkillers. Do not take additional medicines.

10. Please keep the next control appointment even if you feel much better.