Alhaurin Dental Centre – Tips before and after dental surgery to avoid pain

POST OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS for Implants, Periodontal Surgery and Sinus Grafts

This is a broad outline of the routine

Please read all these notes but kindly note that some sections may NOT be relevant to you depending upon the treatment you have had. I shall point out which section is relevant.

General Aspects applicable to all types of therapy including periodontal e.g. gum surgery, implants, sinus augmentation grafting and bone grafts.

DISCOMFORT.  Some degree of discomfort and pain can be expected as numbness wears off. At the first sign of pain or discomfort, please DO take the prescribed pain relief medications. The drug regime that you will need to follow may have been given to you along with this leaflet. If you have run out or need more medication please call me to arrange for some more.  Any pain medication can cause nausea and vomiting. It is very important that you have some food in your stomach before you take them so I generally recommend taking them after a meal.  Pain following oral surgery will be most severe within the first 6-8 hours after the operation. Do not wait for the pain to become unbearable before using some form of pain medication, as then it will be more difficult to control. Moderate to severe pain usually does not last longer than 48 hours post surgically.

ANY SWELLING, SORENESS OR STIFFNESS IN THE JAW MUSCLES which is normally the injection site can be relieved by applying a warm moist towel or hot water bottle to the affected side of the face. Do not start this until 48hours have elapsed after surgery.

Dressing: A periodontal dressing is often used to cover the surgical site for one to two weeks after a surgery. The dressing is placed around your teeth to protect the surgical area and should not be disturbed. I realise it can be cumbersome but it does prevent food reaching the wound site and it is essentially a bandage! If small pieces become lost, and you have no discomfort, there is no reason for concern. If large pieces break off or if the entire dressing becomes loose in the first two days, please contact your dentist asap.

LIMIT PHYSICAL ACTIVITY during the first 2 to 3 days after surgery. Over exertion may lead to postoperative bleeding and discomfort. When you lie down keep your head elevated on a pillow.

Cleaning and Oral Hygiene. DO NOT DISTURB THE AREA OF SURGERY. Allowing the tissues to rest and recover undisturbed helps the healing process. Avoid vigorous rinsing, chewing, fiddling with the wound or excessive spitting. Do not brush your teeth for the first 24 hours. On the second day after surgery gently brush and floss the teeth which were NOT involved in the surgery.

Do not use an electric tooth brush or Waterpik for at least two weeks post operatively and even then avoid direct contact with the wound site.

The surgical area should not be disturbed for the first two weeks post-operatively.

Mouthwashes …Current scientific protocol advises to NOT use any mouth rinses including for example Corsodyl, Listerine so please no chemical rinses or mouthwashes for at least 14 days after surgery!

On the second day after surgery fill a tumbler of hot water with a teaspoon of salt and gently rinse the wound site and spit out!  Repeat at least 4 times per day over the next 2 to 3 days. On the third day if you wish, you may gently wipe the wound site or dressing area with a cotton bud moistened with warm salty water. If you are unable to do this do not worry…simply rinse the site as best you can!

Bleeding..Expect minor bleeding or oozing. If bleeding persists, continue gentle pressure on gauze for an additional 30 minutes to an hour. Biting on a moist used teabag wrapped in gauze may help control persistent oozing from the surgical site. It serves as a good “sandbag” and tea contains tannic acid, which helps promote blood clotting. Firm pressure for 15-30 minutes usually controls the problem. If you check too frequently, (every few minutes), the blood clot may be disturbed will not form properly and bleeding will continue.

SWELLING related to the surgery may occur following certain types of procedures. An ice pack or bag of frozen peas can be wrapped in a paper or cloth towel and can be placed on the side of your face for 20 minutes then taken off for 10 minutes and then replaced for another 20 minutes for the first 2 to 3 hours if possible. Do not place ice cubes directly on skin. Anti-inflammatory medications also help decrease swelling.

Bruising marks may appear on the skin of the face during the first few days after surgery. These will heal in time.

Sutures and your next appointment: Sutures (“stitches”) are placed to hold the gum tissues in the proper position for ideal healing. Sutures will usually have to be removed approximately 10 days after the surgery. We should have already made a review appointment. Even if your stitches have all resorbed I would still like to check the wound site so please attend this review appointment. Do not disturb the sutures with you tongue, toothbrush or in any other manner, since displacement will impair healing. If you notice that a suture has come out, or come loose, notify our office during regular office hours. Various types of suture material are used depending on my preference and the clinical need. Sometimes these are “self dissolving” but I still would like to see you at the review appointment!

FLUID INTAKE IS IMPORTANT. Clear beverages, water, teas, soda, broth, soups, or juices are all suitable. Avoid hot liquids until the numbness has worn off, and the bleeding has stopped. Drink plenty of fluids. Fever or a marked rise in temperature should be reported to our office immediately.

AVOID USING A STRAW FOR SEVERAL DAYS.  It may dislodge the blood clot and delay healing.

Smoking, Snuff, chewing tobacco: All nicotine intake should be stopped until after your sutures have been removed to ensure the best healing and success of your procedure. Healing results are significantly worse in smokers than in non-smokers.

Alcohol: Ideally all intake of alcohol should be stopped until after your sutures have been removed. Please do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking prescription medication.

FOOD SELECTION. Soft  foods are most easily tolerated. A nutritious diet is most important to your comfort and well-being. Remember that eating can prevent nausea sometimes associated with certain medications. DO NOT EAT ANY POPCORN, POPPY SEEDS, SESAME SEEDS OR SEEDED FRUITS. THEY CAN GET STUCK AND CAUSE INFECTION! For your comfort and to protect the surgical area, a soft diet is recommended. Avoid chewing in the area of surgery. Avoid “sharp” foods (such as corn chips, pretzels) as these may be uncomfortable and can dislodge the periodontal dressing. Also, avoid foods or liquids that are hot in temperature. It is important to maintain a diet with normal caloric intake level that is high in protein, minerals and vitamins to support post-operative healing. Diet supplements such as Carnation Instant Breakfast can provide an excellent source of protein and other nutrients needed for healing. Other suggested soft foods include soups, eggs, fruits and vegetables that are pureed in a blender, and soft meals such as fresh fish and canned tuna. A “one-a-day” vitamin may also be taken to ensure adequate vitamin and mineral levels. Chewing gum is forbidden!

POST-SURGICALLY IS NOT THE TIME TO START A DIET!!!

Tablets …Take any special medication that I have prescribed. Yoghurt with active cultures or acidophilus should be taken while on antibiotics to prevent diarrhoea. It is important to take the antibiotics to completion. If you are given antibiotics and take birth control pills, you should be aware that the birth control may become ineffective.

Take any regularly scheduled medication (e.g. for diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.) as normal unless advised to do otherwise.

Implants..
Placement of dental implants usually does not create a great deal of pain. The general rule is that there must be no stress on the implants e.g. biting forces, fiddling tongues etc.

 If you have a temporary crown or bridge on the implant then please do not bite hard on it or floss around it as it may be loosened.

Periodontal surgery..
Avoid acidic and salty foods and drink for 14 days. 

The placement of tension sutures is critical in these cases so please do not fiddle with the gum and if any stitches come loose then please call your dentist.

The use of periodontal dressings is very important in gingival grafts and surgery and it must stay in place for as long as you are able to manage 

Sinus surgery

 

POSTOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOLLOWING SINUS Augmentation, Grafts, Lift:
The sinus is an air filled sac therefore any pressure changes will affect it.

For two weeks after surgery please note

1. do not blow your nose, fly or swim for a minimum of 2 weeks

2. If you must sneeze, do so with your mouth open to avoid any unnecessary pressure
3. Do not smoke or use smokeless tobacco. Smoking greatly inhibits the healing, especially in the sinus graft.
4. Do not take liquids in through a straw
5. Do not lift or pull up on your lip to look at the stitches, as this may actually create damage and tear the stitches.
6. Take your antibiotics as directed and until finished.
7. You may have some bleeding from the nose. This is not uncommon and should pass quickly

8. Use Vicks gel in a bowl of hot water and NOT the INHALER, in order to keep the nasal passages open and clear. Decongestant sweets or the like can also help.

9. Sometimes a black eye may appear. This is natural bruising around the wound site.
10. You may be aware of small granules in your mouth for the next few days. This is not unusual, as your graft is mainly made of particles and some excess particles will be lost.
11. If you feel congested, you may need to use antihistamines or decongestants. Speak with me first!

12. The clogging of the sinus is common….it is not a cause for concern normally.

13. You may have dizzy spells and tinnitus i.e. ringing in your ears. This can take weeks to stop but it is self resolving and please advise me of you do have such problems. There are some head positioning exercises that can help.

Please keep me informed if there is major discomfort or discharge.

Special Notes pertaining to you………

REPORT ANY UNUSUAL OCCURRENCES IMMEDIATELY!

Dental Emergency

Severe Toothache – How to handle a dental emergency

Severe dental pain can start anytime even in midnight. Here are the things you could try to get immediate relief from severe pain. Toothache is one of the worst pains. Dentists are sometimes not available on-call so here are the things you could do until you could see a Dentist.

Severe Toothache Remedies

1. Try taking Motrin (ibuprofen) as this will help ease the pain and help with any inflammation. Motrin is available over the counter. Take only recommended dosage.

2. Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water (do not use hot water).

3. Use Oragel : This is a “numbing gel” available over the counter. This gel provides instant relief of pain when applied directly to the teeth and gum area.

4. Place cold compress for 20 minutes at a time, if there is swelling on outside of the cheek. Avoid using heat under any circumstances as this can cause the infection to worsen and spread

5. Use Dental Floss to remove any food trapped between teeth. Do not use sharp objects.

6. Other home remedy to try is use of Clove Oil. Clove oil is available in general stores or herbal stores.

7. See the dentist as soon as possible and Treat the Cause when you visit the dentist.
The most likely cause is infection in the teeth or nerve close to the teeth.

Alhaurin Dental Centre Testimonials

Stewart

I have been receiving implant treatment with Raj Rao for the past 12 months. He took time to explain the different options and fees open to me and was very thorough in his explanations to ensure I understood every aspect of the plan. I have nothing but praise for his professionism, commitment and skills during my time in the clinic. He is by far the best dentist I have had and I recommend him without hesitation.

Tikina Taylor

I have had professional treatment and care from Mr Rao. I am having treatment at the moment and everything has been explained to me at every stage.

Phil

I was recommended to Dr Rao about seven years ago and have nothing but praise for him and his work. At first I was only having normal dental treatment checkups, cleaning, filling etc. I was never put under any pressure to have any further treatment. Due to bad dental practice in the sixties while travelling and working in Europe I had had many teeth extracted and two years ago discussed with Dr Rao the possibility of having implants and veneers to improve both my dental health and looks. He explained in great detail all that this would entail with both the pros and possible cons made very clear. The work was carried out in totally sterile conditions and the after care was excellent. I would not hesitate to recommend Dr Rao to any of my friends and family.

John

This dentist is very plausible and full of care when you visit his practice.My daughter went with toothache and he informed her that a root canal was required. This was carried out efficiently and without pain.

Taffy

Raj has been our dentist for many years and is in my opinion the best dentist in this area. He is very thorough and in his checkups and very professional in all his work. He has never caused me or my family any pain and is also thorough in his aftercare. He always tells us exactly what he is going to do and what it will cost.

Mike

I have used Raj Rao on a number of times. Very good and recommended.

Lucy

I’m terrified of dentists and was so pleased at the friendly approach from Mr Rao and his wife Saloni. I was sent to get an X-Ray done so we could see the extent of the damage and took that back to him the following week. He proceeded to facilitate me with a detailed account of what needed doing and how much it would cost. I was offered different alternatives as to how the work could be carried out and how payment for said work could be made. Even then I proceeded to get a second opinion and found that although Mr Rao was a little more expensive, the service he was offering was also far more superior. I’ve have recommended him on various occasions to friends and family.

Kate

The level of service at Alhaurin Dental Centre is fantastic. Having been a customer for many years, I am consistently impressed by the professionalism of Saloni and Raj. Thank you!

Jerry

In this day and age, it’s hard to find a dentist you can trust. Alhaurin Dental Centre was recommended to me by a friend, and now I know why – the quality of service I received was outstanding. Keep up the good work!

About The Alhaurin Dental Centre & Dr Rao

Raj qualified from King’s College London University in 1987. He built up a very large multiclinic group of dental offices in the UK which he sold in 2001. He and his young family then decided to enjoy the wonders of the Costa Del Sol in Spain. We set up a small clinic dedicated to advanced dental procedures and aesthetics. It is part of our home and we pride ourselves on being one of the most technologically advanced and yet welcoming small dental clinics here in the Costa del Sol.

Welcome to the Alhaurin Dental Centre Spain

Dentist Alhaurin Centre – Dr Rao from Alhaurin el Grande Our company is based on the belief that our customers’ needs are of the utmost importance. Our entire team is committed to meeting those needs. As a result, a high percentage of our business is from repeat customers and referrals. We would welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and deliver you the best service in the industry.