After your surgery.

What is normal

Swelling

• Some swelling is normal and is nothing to worry about.
• It usually peaks at about three to four days, so do not be alarmed if it is still increasing.
• Ice for the first 48 hours and moist heat after that will keep it down.
• Swelling or jaw stiffness that lasts several days is a normal reaction to surgery.

Bleeding

• Oozing is normal. Mixed with saliva it can look like far more blood than it is, and it can carry on for a day or two.
• If thick red clots form, let us know immediately so we can advise you.
• You can bite on a damp cotton wool ball. Hold the pressure for five to ten minutes, which settles most bleeding.

Pain

• How much pain you feel varies from person to person.
• There is usually very little pain involved, but a lot of pain can indicate an infection and should be checked.
• Taking your medication will handle most discomfort.

Bruising

• Bruising over the face, eye and neck can occur and is nothing to worry about.

Altered sensation

• Also called paraesthesia. It can feel like burning or prickling, and the bottom lip and cheek can feel numb for a while after surgery.
• It is usually caused by tissue swelling pressing on the surgical site, and it is usually temporary.
• Tell us if the altered sensation is still unchanged after four weeks.

Diet and chewing

• For the bone to heal around the implant it has to be stable and not moving. Do not chew on the area where the bone or implants were placed until they have been checked for integration. That can take anywhere from 4 to 12 months.
• A soft diet during healing is essential. Hard food puts pressure on the healing wound and can either open it or load the implant too early, which can cause it to fail.

How the days run

• The worst day is typically the second, and it eases across the third.
• Use the pain medication as prescribed. You may not be entirely comfortable, but you can go back to work the day after surgery.

Your instructions

Rinsing

• Use the mouthwash regularly. It lowers the chance of infection.
• Do not dilute it. Use it twice a day, 30 minutes after you brush, so the toothpaste does not inactivate the active ingredients.
• Rinse for one minute, then spit out.
• Do not rinse, brush or eat for at least an hour after using the mouthwash.

Medication

• If antibiotics were prescribed, take them exactly as the prescription instructs.
• Anti-inflammatory painkillers reduce both discomfort and swelling. Take them even if you do not feel sore.
• Take two tablets or capsules immediately after surgery, then two every four to six hours after that.

Eating, ice and rest

• Eat soft foods, such as soup and yoghurt, for at least one week.
• Use ice packs for the first 48 hours to keep the swelling down.
• Hold the ice pack we give you, or a bag of frozen peas, against the side of your face over the surgical area, continuously while you are awake.
• After 48 hours ice has no further benefit. Moist heat can be applied to the same area instead.
• No exercise for at least three days.

Brushing and cleaning between teeth

• Avoid the surgical area with a toothbrush for 10 days.
• Start brushing the area gently as soon as you comfortably can.
• Keep brushing every other area as normal, and clear any food sitting near the surgical site.

Dentures and prostheses

• Do not wear a partial denture, flipper or full denture immediately after surgery, until your post-operative appointment, unless you were specifically told otherwise.
• When it does go back in, it must not touch the gum over the surgical area. Pressure there can ulcerate the wound edges and break down the suture margins.
• Pressure from a prosthesis over the surgical area can lead to loss of the implant or the graft.

What is normal

Swelling

• Some swelling is normal and is nothing to worry about.
• It usually peaks at about three to four days, so do not be alarmed if it is still increasing.
• Ice for the first 48 hours and moist heat after that will keep it down.
• Swelling or jaw stiffness that lasts several days is a normal reaction to surgery.

Bleeding

• Oozing is normal. Mixed with saliva it can look like far more blood than it is, and it can carry on for a day or two.
• If thick red clots form, let us know immediately so we can advise you.
• You can bite on a damp cotton wool ball. Hold the pressure for five to ten minutes, which settles most bleeding.

Pain

• How much pain you feel varies from person to person.
• There is usually very little pain involved, but a lot of pain can indicate an infection and should be checked.
• Taking your medication will handle most discomfort.

Bruising

• Bruising over the face, eye and neck can occur and is nothing to worry about.

Altered sensation

• Also called paraesthesia. It can feel like burning or prickling, and the bottom lip and cheek can feel numb for a while after surgery.
• It is usually caused by tissue swelling in the surgical site where the bone block was harvested, and it is usually temporary.
• Tell us if the altered sensation is still unchanged after four weeks.

Diet and chewing

• For the bone to heal it has to be stable and not moving. Do not chew on the area where the bone or implants were placed until they have been checked for integration. That can take anywhere from 4 to 12 months.
• A soft diet during healing is essential. Hard food puts pressure on the healing wound and can either open it or load the implant too early, which can cause it to fail.

Your instructions

Rinsing

• Use the mouthwash regularly. It lowers the chance of infection.
• Do not dilute it. Use it twice a day, 30 minutes after you brush, so the toothpaste does not inactivate the active ingredients.
• Rinse for one minute, then spit out.
• Do not rinse, brush or eat for at least an hour after using the mouthwash.

Medication

• If antibiotics were prescribed, take them exactly as the prescription instructs.
• Anti-inflammatory painkillers reduce both discomfort and swelling. Take them even if you do not feel sore.
• Take two tablets or capsules immediately after surgery, then two every four to six hours after that.

Eating, ice and rest

• Eat soft foods, such as soup and yoghurt, for at least one week.
• Use ice packs for the first 48 hours to keep the swelling down.
• Hold the ice pack we give you, or a bag of frozen peas, against the side of your face over the surgical area, continuously while you are awake.
• After 48 hours ice has no further benefit. Moist heat can be applied to the same area instead.
• No exercise for at least three days.

Brushing and cleaning between teeth

• Avoid the surgical area with a toothbrush for 10 days.
• Start brushing the area gently as soon as you comfortably can.
• Keep brushing every other area as normal, and clear any food sitting near the surgical site.

Dentures and prostheses

• Do not wear a partial denture, flipper or full denture immediately after surgery, until your post-operative appointment, unless you were specifically told otherwise.
• When it does go back in, it must not touch the gum over the surgical area. Pressure there can ulcerate the wound edges and break down the suture margins.
• Pressure from a prosthesis over the surgical area can lead to loss of the graft.

What is normal

Swelling

• Some swelling is normal and is nothing to worry about.
• It usually peaks at about three to four days, so do not be alarmed if it is still increasing.
• Ice for the first 48 hours and moist heat after that will keep it down.
• Swelling or jaw stiffness that lasts several days is a normal reaction to surgery.
• If any bone particles come through your nose, contact us immediately. It will need to be checked, but nothing will be done until healing is complete.

Bleeding

• Oozing is normal. Mixed with saliva it can look like far more blood than it is, and it can carry on for a day or two.
• If thick red clots form, let us know immediately so we can advise you.
• You can bite on a damp cotton wool ball. Hold the pressure for five to ten minutes, which settles most bleeding.

Pain

• How much pain you feel varies from person to person.
• There is usually very little pain involved, but a lot of pain can indicate an infection and should be checked.
• Taking your medication will handle most discomfort.

Bruising

• Bruising over the face, eye and neck can occur and is nothing to worry about.

Diet and chewing

• Do not chew on the area where the surgery was done until your two-week follow-up appointment.
• A soft diet during healing is essential. Hard food puts pressure on the healing wound and can open it.

Your instructions

Rinsing

• Use the mouthwash regularly. It lowers the chance of infection.
• Do not dilute it. Use it twice a day, 30 minutes after you brush, so the toothpaste does not inactivate the active ingredients.
• Rinse for one minute, then spit out.
• Do not rinse, brush or eat for at least an hour after using the mouthwash.

Medication

• If antibiotics were prescribed, take them exactly as the prescription instructs.
• Anti-inflammatory painkillers reduce both discomfort and swelling. Take them even if you do not feel sore.
• Take two tablets or capsules immediately after surgery, then two every four to six hours after that.
• The nasal spray is essential. It reduces congestion after a sinus lift and keeps the nose and sinus clear so mucus does not build up.

Eating, ice and rest

• Eat soft foods, such as soup and yoghurt, for at least one week.
• Use ice packs for the first 48 hours to keep the swelling down.
• Hold the ice pack we give you, or a bag of frozen peas, against the side of your face over the surgical area, continuously while you are awake.
• After 48 hours ice has no further benefit. Moist heat can be applied to the same area instead.
• No exercise for at least three days.
• Do not blow your nose under any circumstances. Blowing puts pressure on the bone graft and can perforate the sinus.
• Sneeze with your mouth open, to equalise the pressure between your mouth and your sinus.

Brushing and cleaning between teeth

• Avoid the surgical area with a toothbrush for 10 days.
• Start brushing the area gently as soon as you comfortably can.
• Keep brushing every other area as normal, and clear any food sitting near the surgical site.

How the first two weeks go

1. The first day

   • Expect some bleeding, swelling and discomfort. Take all medication exactly as prescribed.
   • Rest, and avoid strenuous activity.
   • Eat soft, cool foods such as yoghurt, custard or smoothies.
   • Keep the area clean with the antibacterial mouthwash. Do not brush or floss directly on the surgical site. You can brush and floss your other teeth as comfort allows.

2. The first week

   • Bleeding should settle within the first 24 to 48 hours. Swelling continues for three to four days, and bruising may appear. This is normal and should settle within the week.
   • Continue all medication as prescribed.
   • Add more soft foods as you are able, such as egg, pasta, fish and cooked vegetables.
   • Brush gently near the surgical site but not directly on the gum, until we say it is safe.

3. The second week

   • Swelling and bruising should start to fade, and comfort should keep improving.
   • Ask us when it is safe to start reducing your medication.
   • Add more solid food as comfort allows, but keep avoiding hard, crunchy and spicy food until we clear you.
   • Once we say it is safe, resume normal brushing and flossing.

What is normal

Bleeding

• Some minor bleeding is normal, even though it is controlled properly during the procedure.
• Keep any gauze we give you in place for about one to two hours, replacing it as needed.
• If bleeding continues, apply pressure or bite gently on the gauze over the site. A damp teabag works if you run out of gauze.
• Avoid vigorous rinsing and spitting for the first 24 hours so the blood clot can stabilise.

Swelling

• Some swelling is normal and is nothing to worry about.
• It usually peaks at about three to four days, so do not be alarmed if it is still increasing.
• Ice for the first 48 hours and moist heat after that will keep it down.
• Swelling or jaw stiffness that lasts several days is a normal reaction to surgery.

Pain

• How much pain you feel varies from person to person. Some discomfort is expected after any oral surgery.
• Take the first dose of pain medication before the local anaesthetic wears off, so you stay ahead of it.
• A lot of pain can indicate an infection and should be checked.

Bruising

• Bruising over the face, eye and neck can occur and is nothing to worry about.

Stitches

• Stitches are used to close the gum back together.
• They may be dissolvable or non-dissolvable, depending on your case.
• Dissolvable stitches start to break down in 10 to 14 days. Non-dissolvable ones are removed at your first or second post-operative visit.

Diet and chewing

• Keep to a soft diet for at least two weeks.
• Soft food minimises trauma to the surgical site, which has a positive effect on healing.
• Sometimes a longer period is necessary. We will tell you if it needs to be extended, or if a liquid diet is required.
• Chew on the side away from the surgery where you can.

How long recovery takes

• Everyone heals differently, but gum graft recovery averages one to two weeks. Several areas treated at once may take a little longer.
• Avoid exercise, heavy lifting and other strenuous exertion for at least the first week. These raise your heart rate and can cause more discomfort, bleeding and swelling.
• Most people return to work or school within one to two days.

Your instructions

Rinsing

• Use the mouthwash regularly. It lowers the chance of infection.
• Do not dilute it. Use it twice a day, 30 minutes after you brush, so the toothpaste does not inactivate the active ingredients.
• Rinse for one minute, then spit out.
• Do not rinse, brush or eat for at least an hour after using the mouthwash.

Medication

• If antibiotics were prescribed, take them exactly as the prescription instructs.
• Anti-inflammatory painkillers reduce both discomfort and swelling. Take them even if you do not feel sore.
• Take two tablets or capsules immediately after surgery, then two every four to six hours after that.

Eating, ice and rest

• Eat soft foods, such as soup and yoghurt, for at least one week.
• Use ice packs for the first 48 hours to keep the swelling down.
• Hold the ice pack we give you, or a bag of frozen peas, against the side of your face over the surgical area, continuously while you are awake.
• After 48 hours ice has no further benefit. Moist heat can be applied to the same area instead.
• No exercise for at least three days.

Brushing and cleaning between teeth

• Avoid the surgical area with a toothbrush for 10 to 14 days.
• Start brushing the area gently as soon as you comfortably can.
• Keep brushing every other area as normal, and clear any food sitting near the surgical site.
• No flossing and no interdental brushes for 12 weeks.

Dentures and prostheses

• Do not wear a partial denture, flipper or full denture immediately after surgery, until your post-operative appointment, unless you were specifically told otherwise.
• When it does go back in, it must not touch the gum over the surgical area. Pressure there can ulcerate the wound edges and break down the suture margins.

A failed graft usually shows as a large patch of white tissue that has lifted off the tooth. The lack of colour means the graft has lost its blood supply. Call us immediately if you see this, or if there is pus at the site or a fever above 38.3 °C.

Uncommon, but possible

Complications after this procedure are uncommon, but they do happen. Contact us straight away if you notice heavy bleeding, pus, or anything that does not look right.

• Infection.
• Excessive bleeding.
• Rejection of the graft, meaning it does not take.

What is normal

Bleeding

• Some minor bleeding is normal, even though it is controlled properly during the procedure.
• Keep any gauze we give you in place for about one to two hours, replacing it as needed.
• If bleeding continues, apply pressure or bite gently on the gauze over the site. A damp teabag works if you run out of gauze.
• Avoid vigorous rinsing and spitting for the first 24 hours so the blood clot can stabilise.

Swelling

• Some swelling is normal and is nothing to worry about.
• It usually peaks at about three to four days, so do not be alarmed if it is still increasing.
• Ice for the first 48 hours and moist heat after that will keep it down.
• Swelling or jaw stiffness that lasts several days is a normal reaction to surgery.

Pain

• How much pain you feel varies from person to person. Some discomfort is expected after any oral surgery.
• Take the first dose of pain medication before the local anaesthetic wears off, so you stay ahead of it.
• A lot of pain can indicate an infection and should be checked.

Bruising

• Bruising over the face, eye and neck can occur and is nothing to worry about.

Stitches

• Stitches are used to close the gum back together.
• They may be dissolvable or non-dissolvable, depending on your case.
• Dissolvable stitches start to break down in 10 to 14 days. Non-dissolvable ones are removed at your first or second post-operative visit.

Diet and chewing

• Keep to a soft diet for at least two weeks.
• Soft food minimises trauma to the surgical site, which has a positive effect on healing.
• Sometimes a longer period is necessary. We will tell you if it needs to be extended, or if a liquid diet is required.
• Chew on the side away from the surgery where you can.

Your instructions

Rinsing

• Use the mouthwash regularly. It lowers the chance of infection.
• Do not dilute it. Use it twice a day, 30 minutes after you brush, so the toothpaste does not inactivate the active ingredients.
• Rinse for one minute, then spit out.
• Do not rinse, brush or eat for at least an hour after using the mouthwash.

Medication

• If antibiotics were prescribed, take them exactly as the prescription instructs.
• Anti-inflammatory painkillers reduce both discomfort and swelling. Take them even if you do not feel sore.
• Take two tablets or capsules immediately after surgery, then two every four to six hours after that.

Eating, ice and rest

• Eat soft foods, such as soup and yoghurt, for at least one week.
• Use ice packs for the first 48 hours to keep the swelling down.
• Hold the ice pack we give you, or a bag of frozen peas, against the side of your face over the surgical area, continuously while you are awake.
• After 48 hours ice has no further benefit. Moist heat can be applied to the same area instead.
• No exercise for at least three days.

Brushing and cleaning between teeth

• Avoid the surgical area with a toothbrush for 10 to 14 days.
• Start brushing the area gently as soon as you comfortably can.
• Keep brushing every other area as normal, and clear any food sitting near the surgical site.
• No flossing and no interdental brushes for 12 weeks.

Dentures and prostheses

• Do not wear a partial denture, flipper or full denture immediately after surgery, until your post-operative appointment, unless you were specifically told otherwise.
• When it does go back in, it must not touch the gum over the surgical area. Pressure there can ulcerate the wound edges and break down the suture margins.

How the first two weeks go

1. The first day

   • Expect some bleeding, swelling and discomfort. Take all medication exactly as prescribed.
   • Rest, and avoid strenuous activity.
   • Eat soft, cool foods such as yoghurt, custard or smoothies.
   • Keep the area clean with the antibacterial mouthwash. Do not brush or floss directly on the surgical site. You can brush and floss your other teeth as comfort allows.

2. The first week

   • Bleeding should settle within the first 24 to 48 hours. Swelling continues for three to four days, and bruising may appear. This is normal and should settle within the week.
   • Continue all medication as prescribed.
   • Add more soft foods as you are able, such as egg, pasta, fish and cooked vegetables.
   • Brush gently near the surgical site but not directly on the gum, until we say it is safe.

3. The second week

   • Swelling and bruising should start to fade, and comfort should keep improving.
   • Ask us when it is safe to start reducing your medication.
   • Add more solid food as comfort allows, but keep avoiding hard, crunchy and spicy food until we clear you.
   • Once we say it is safe, resume normal brushing and flossing.

What is normal

Swelling

• Some swelling is normal and is nothing to worry about.
• It usually peaks at about three to four days, so do not be alarmed if it is still increasing.
• Ice for the first 48 hours and moist heat after that will keep it down.
• Swelling or jaw stiffness that lasts several days is a normal reaction to surgery.

Pain

• How much pain you feel varies from person to person. Some discomfort is expected after any oral surgery.
• Take the first dose of pain medication before the local anaesthetic wears off, so you stay ahead of it.
• A lot of pain can indicate an infection and should be checked.

Bruising

• Bruising over the face, eye and neck can occur and is nothing to worry about.

Stitches

• Stitches are used to close the gum back together.
• They may be dissolvable or non-dissolvable, depending on your case.
• Dissolvable stitches start to break down in 10 to 14 days. Non-dissolvable ones are removed at your first or second post-operative visit.

Diet and chewing

• Keep to a soft diet for at least two weeks.
• Soft food minimises trauma to the surgical site, which has a positive effect on healing.
• Sometimes a longer period is necessary. We will tell you if it needs to be extended, or if a liquid diet is required.
• Chew on the side away from the surgery where you can.

Sensitivity

• Sensitivity to hot and cold food and drink can occur in the first few days after the procedure.
• Avoid very hot and very cold food and drink while it settles.

Your instructions

Rinsing

• Use the mouthwash regularly. It lowers the chance of infection.
• Do not dilute it. Use it twice a day, 30 minutes after you brush, so the toothpaste does not inactivate the active ingredients.
• Rinse for one minute, then spit out.
• Do not rinse, brush or eat for at least an hour after using the mouthwash.

Medication

• If antibiotics were prescribed, take them exactly as the prescription instructs.
• Anti-inflammatory painkillers reduce both discomfort and swelling. Take them even if you do not feel sore.
• Take two tablets or capsules immediately after surgery, then two every four to six hours after that.

Eating, ice and rest

• Eat soft foods, such as soup and yoghurt, for at least one week.
• Use ice packs for the first 48 hours to keep the swelling down.
• Hold the ice pack we give you, or a bag of frozen peas, against the side of your face over the surgical area, continuously while you are awake.
• After 48 hours ice has no further benefit. Moist heat can be applied to the same area instead.
• No exercise for at least seven days.

Brushing and cleaning between teeth

• Avoid the surgical area with a toothbrush for 10 to 14 days.
• Start brushing the area gently as soon as you comfortably can.
• Keep brushing every other area as normal, and clear any food sitting near the surgical site.
• No flossing and no interdental brushes for 12 weeks.

Dentures and prostheses

• Do not wear a partial denture, flipper or full denture immediately after surgery, until your post-operative appointment, unless you were specifically told otherwise.
• When it does go back in, it must not touch the gum over the surgical area. Pressure there can ulcerate the wound edges and break down the suture margins.
• Temporary crowns and restorations can be done six weeks after the procedure, and final crowns and restorations after twelve weeks, once the tissues have matured and settled.

Uncommon, but possible

Complications after this procedure are uncommon, but they do happen. Contact us straight away if you notice heavy bleeding, pus, or anything that does not look right.

• Infection.
• Excessive bleeding.
• Damage to adjacent teeth and structures.
• Sensitivity of the teeth at the surgical site, which is common and usually settles within weeks.
• The gum growing back over the exposed tooth structure.

How the first two weeks go

1. The first day

   • Expect some bleeding, swelling and discomfort. Take all medication exactly as prescribed.
   • Rest, and avoid strenuous activity.
   • Eat soft, cool foods such as yoghurt, custard or smoothies.
   • Keep the area clean with the antibacterial mouthwash. Do not brush or floss directly on the surgical site. You can brush and floss your other teeth as comfort allows.

2. The first week

   • Bleeding should settle within the first 24 to 48 hours. Swelling continues for three to four days, and bruising may appear. This is normal and should settle within the week.
   • Continue all medication as prescribed.
   • Add more soft foods as you are able, such as egg, pasta, fish and cooked vegetables.
   • Brush gently near the surgical site but not directly on the gum, until we say it is safe.

3. The second week

   • Swelling and bruising should start to fade, and comfort should keep improving.
   • Ask us when it is safe to start reducing your medication.
   • Add more solid food as comfort allows, but keep avoiding hard, crunchy and spicy food until we clear you.
   • Once we say it is safe, resume normal brushing and flossing.

What is normal

Swelling

• Some swelling is normal and is nothing to worry about.
• It usually peaks at about three to four days, so do not be alarmed if it is still increasing.
• Ice for the first 48 hours and moist heat after that will keep it down.
• Swelling or jaw stiffness that lasts several days is a normal reaction to surgery.

Pain

• How much pain you feel varies from person to person. Some discomfort is expected after any oral surgery.
• Take the first dose of pain medication before the local anaesthetic wears off, so you stay ahead of it.
• A lot of pain can indicate an infection and should be checked.

Bruising

• Bruising over the face, eye and neck happens rarely and is nothing to worry about.

Stitches

• Stitches are used to close the gum back together.
• They may be dissolvable or non-dissolvable, depending on your case.
• Dissolvable stitches start to break down in 10 to 14 days. Non-dissolvable ones are removed at your first or second post-operative visit.

Diet and chewing

• Keep to a soft diet for at least two weeks.
• Soft food minimises trauma to the surgical site, which has a positive effect on healing.
• Sometimes a longer period is necessary. We will tell you if it needs to be extended, or if a liquid diet is required.
• Chew on the side away from the surgery where you can.

A yellow-white film over the area

• Do not be alarmed by a yellow-white membrane covering the site. It is a normal part of healing.

Your instructions

Rinsing

• Use the mouthwash regularly. It lowers the chance of infection.
• Do not dilute it. Use it twice a day, 30 minutes after you brush, so the toothpaste does not inactivate the active ingredients.
• Rinse for one minute, then spit out.
• Do not rinse, brush or eat for at least an hour after using the mouthwash.

Medication

• If antibiotics were prescribed, take them exactly as the prescription instructs.
• Anti-inflammatory painkillers reduce both discomfort and swelling. Take them even if you do not feel sore.
• Take two tablets or capsules immediately after surgery, then two every four to six hours after that.

Eating, ice and rest

• Eat soft foods, such as soup and yoghurt, for at least one week.
• Use ice packs for the first 48 hours to keep the swelling down.
• Hold the ice pack we give you, or a bag of frozen peas, against the side of your face over the surgical area, continuously while you are awake.
• After 48 hours ice has no further benefit. Moist heat can be applied to the same area instead.
• No exercise for at least three days.

Brushing and cleaning between teeth

• Avoid the surgical area with a toothbrush for 10 to 14 days.
• Start brushing the area gently as soon as you comfortably can.
• Keep brushing every other area as normal, and clear any food sitting near the surgical site.
• No flossing and no interdental brushes for 12 weeks.

Dentures and prostheses

• Do not wear a partial denture, flipper or full denture immediately after surgery, until your post-operative appointment, unless you were specifically told otherwise.
• When it does go back in, it must not touch the gum over the surgical area. Pressure there can ulcerate the wound edges and break down the suture margins.

Uncommon, but possible

Complications after this procedure are uncommon, but they do happen. Contact us straight away if you notice heavy bleeding, pus, or anything that does not look right.

• Infection.
• Excessive bleeding.
• Reattachment of the lip or tongue.

How the first two weeks go

1. The first day

   • Expect some bleeding, swelling and discomfort. Take all medication exactly as prescribed.
   • Rest, and avoid strenuous activity.
   • Eat soft, cool foods such as yoghurt, custard or smoothies.
   • Keep the area clean with the antibacterial mouthwash. Do not brush or floss directly on the surgical site. You can brush and floss your other teeth as comfort allows.

2. The first week

   • Bleeding should settle within the first 24 to 48 hours. Swelling continues for three to four days, and bruising may appear. This is normal and should settle within the week.
   • Continue all medication as prescribed.
   • Add more soft foods as you are able, such as egg, pasta, fish and cooked vegetables.
   • Brush gently near the surgical site but not directly on the gum, until we say it is safe.

3. The second week

   • Swelling and bruising should start to fade, and comfort should keep improving.
   • Ask us when it is safe to start reducing your medication.
   • Add more solid food as comfort allows, but keep avoiding hard, crunchy and spicy food until we clear you.
   • Once we say it is safe, resume normal brushing and flossing.

What is normal

Swelling

• Some swelling is normal and is nothing to worry about.
• It usually peaks at about three to four days, so do not be alarmed if it is still increasing.
• Ice for the first 48 hours and moist heat after that will keep it down.
• Swelling or jaw stiffness that lasts several days is a normal reaction to surgery.

Pain

• How much pain you feel varies from person to person. Some discomfort is expected after any oral surgery.
• Take the first dose of pain medication before the local anaesthetic wears off, so you stay ahead of it.
• A lot of pain can indicate an infection and should be checked.

Bruising

• Bruising over the face, eye and neck can occur and is nothing to worry about.

Stitches

• Stitches are used to close the gum back together.
• They may be dissolvable or non-dissolvable, depending on your case.
• Dissolvable stitches start to break down in 10 to 14 days. Non-dissolvable ones are removed at your first or second post-operative visit.

Diet and chewing

• Keep to a soft diet for at least two weeks.
• Soft food minimises trauma to the surgical site, which has a positive effect on healing.
• Sometimes a longer period is necessary. We will tell you if it needs to be extended, or if a liquid diet is required.
• Chew on the side away from the surgery where you can.

Your instructions

Rinsing

• Use the mouthwash regularly. It lowers the chance of infection.
• Do not dilute it. Use it twice a day, 30 minutes after you brush, so the toothpaste does not inactivate the active ingredients.
• Rinse for one minute, then spit out.
• Do not rinse, brush or eat for at least an hour after using the mouthwash.

Medication

• If antibiotics were prescribed, take them exactly as the prescription instructs.
• Anti-inflammatory painkillers reduce both discomfort and swelling. Take them even if you do not feel sore.
• Take two tablets or capsules immediately after surgery, then two every four to six hours after that.

Eating, ice and rest

• Eat soft foods, such as soup and yoghurt, for at least one week.
• Use ice packs for the first 48 hours to keep the swelling down.
• Hold the ice pack we give you, or a bag of frozen peas, against the side of your face over the surgical area, continuously while you are awake.
• After 48 hours ice has no further benefit. Moist heat can be applied to the same area instead.
• No exercise for at least three days.

Brushing and cleaning between teeth

• Avoid the surgical area with a toothbrush for 10 to 14 days.
• Start brushing the area gently as soon as you comfortably can.
• Keep brushing every other area as normal, and clear any food sitting near the surgical site.
• No flossing and no interdental brushes for 12 weeks.

Dentures and prostheses

• Do not wear a partial denture, flipper or full denture immediately after surgery, until your post-operative appointment, unless you were specifically told otherwise.
• When it does go back in, it must not touch the gum over the surgical area. Pressure there can ulcerate the wound edges and break down the suture margins.

Please do not pull on the chain, or fiddle with it with your tongue.

Uncommon, but possible

Complications after this procedure are uncommon, but they do happen. Contact us straight away if you notice heavy bleeding, pus, or anything that does not look right.

• Infection.
• Excessive bleeding.
• Debonding of the bracket and chain.