Everyone become a candidate for oral surgery at some point of their life.

Removal of Wisdom Teeth is the most common oral surgery which usually happens during the late teens or early twenties.

Other common causes for dental surgery are the removal of a single tooth due to tooth trauma, tooth decay, periodontal disease or to make room for adjacent teeth prior to an orthodontic procedure, and when dental implants are determined to be the best way to solve a problem.

Although Oral Surgery may become necessary at some point, the extraction of any tooth is usually the last treatment choice, and should only be considered after a thorough discussion of all treatment options.

A Better Smile Dental Centre can help you to understand the risk factors, pros and cons of an oral surgery for you to make an informed decision.

If you tremble when hearing oral surgery in one sentence, remember that our sedation dentistry department offer several options to overcome your fear.

We recommend to follow these instructions after having an oral surgery procedure:

• Do not disturb the wound: In doing so you may invite irritation, infection and/or bleeding. Be sure to chew on the opposite side for 24 hours and keep anything sharp from entering the wound (i.e. eating utensils etc.)
• Do not smoke at least for 12 hours: Smoking will promote bleeding and with healing.
• Brushing: Do not brush your teeth for the first 8 hours after surgery. After, you may brush your teeth gently, but avoid the area of surgery.
• Mouth wash: Avoid all rinsing for 24 hours after extraction. This is to insure the formation of a healing blood clot which is essential to proper wound healing. Disturbance of this clot can lead to increased bleeding or the loss of the blood clot. If the clot is lost, a painful condition called dry socket may occur. You may use warm salt water or mild antiseptic rinses after 24 hours only if prescribed.
• Do not spit or suck through a straw: This will promote bleeding and may dislodge the blood clot causing a dry socket.
• In case of bleeding: When you leave the office, you will be given verbal instructions regarding the control of postoperative bleeding. A rolled up gauze pad will be placed on the extraction site and you will be asked to change this dressing every 20 minutes or so depending on the amount of bleeding that is occurring. It is normal for some blood to ooze from the area of surgery. We will also give you a package of gauze to take with you to use at home if the bleeding should continue. Should you need to use the gauze at home, remember to roll it into a ball large enough to cover the wound. Hold firmly in place, by biting or with finger pressure, for about 20-30 minutes. If bleeding still continues, you may fold a tea bag in half and bite down on it. Tea contains Tannic Acid , a styptic, which may help to reduce the bleeding.
• In case of pain: Some discomfort is normal after surgery. Analgesic tablets (i.e. Panadol, Panadeine, etc.) may be taken under your dentist's direction. Prescription medication, which may have been given to you, should also be taken as directed. If pain continues, call your dentist.
• To prevent swelling: apply an ice pack or a cold towel to the outside of your face in the area of the extraction during the first 12 hours. Apply alternately, 20 minutes on then 20 minutes off, for an hour or longer if necessary.
• Diet: Eat normal regular meals as soon as you are able after surgery. Cold, soft food such as ice cream or yogurt may be the most comfortable for the first day. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids.
• Avoid: spicy, salty, and excessively hot foods and liquids. Please refrain from drinking hard alcoholic beverages during the first 4-5 days following surgery.
• Care of the Dressing: If a dressing has been placed over the area after surgery, please do not disturb it. If small pieces of the dressing break off, do not be concerned. If large portions of the dressing fall off and you are COMFORTABLE replacement of the dressing is UNNECESSARY.
• Antibiotics: If antibiotics are prescribed, take them as directed until ALL ARE GONE. If you experience any reactions (such as a rash, itching, vomiting etc.) discontinue the medication and contact our office

REPORT ANY UNUSUAL OCCURRENCES IMMEDIATELY!

If you have any questions regarding these directions, contact call your dentist for clarification.