Instructions After Surgery

The first 48 hours after an operation are decisive for comfort and the course of healing. With clear recommendations on cooling, diet, oral hygiene and physical rest, we help you keep swelling and discomfort to a minimum – supplemented by the detailed PDF instructions.

General behaviour after the procedure

• Please bite down on the gauze pads for 30 minutes. Then remove and dispose of them.
• Should secondary bleeding unexpectedly occur, place the gauze pad provided (or a clean cloth) on the wound and apply pressure for 1 hour or bite down firmly on it. Discolouration of the compresses is normal.
• Please take a painkiller soon after the procedure and before the anaesthetic wears off.
• Wounds in the oral cavity may ooze slightly on the day of surgery and for up to three days afterwards. In the mouth, the blood mixes with saliva, which can give the impression of greater blood loss.
• Avoid frequent rinsing or gargling on the day of surgery, as this could increase the bleeding.
• Please do not lie down immediately after the procedure, as this could increase blood flow to the head and lead to swelling.
• During the first week after the procedure, avoid physically strenuous work or sport. Saunas or sunbathing are also not advisable.
• Please apply cold from the outside during the first two days after the procedure, using a cold pack, an ice pack (wrapped in a dry cloth) or cold compresses. Cool for 30 minutes at a time, then take a half-hour break, and so on.
• In the first few days after the procedure, wound pain, swelling, restricted mouth opening, bruising (haematomas) or a slight rise in temperature may occur.
• Taking medication containing the active ingredient acetylsalicylic acid (e.g. Aspirin, ASA, Thomapyrin) for pain relief should be avoided, as these can promote secondary bleeding.
• After one week, we check the surgical suture and remove the stitches. This is a brief, painless process.

For procedures involving the maxillary sinus

For 4 weeks there is a ban on blowing your nose. Should your nose run, please only dab it with a tissue. Sneeze only with your mouth open to avoid a build-up of pressure in the maxillary sinus.

Diet

• Please do not eat or drink until the anaesthetic has worn off. Preferably chew on the non-operated side.
• Soft foods such as fish, pasta dishes or cooked vegetables are recommended. Acidic foods such as fruit juices or vinegar can irritate the wound unpleasantly. Reduce caffeinated drinks such as cola, coffee or tea to a minimum.
• During the first week after the procedure, smoking is prohibited!

Oral care

• Good oral hygiene is crucial for wound healing!
• From the 3rd day after the operation, rinse three times a day with a mouthwash such as Chlorhexamed® or Kamillosan, mouthwash, sage or chamomile tea, in order to keep the wound and the suture material clean. However, this rinsing does not replace careful mechanical cleaning with a soft toothbrush.
• Coconut oil can also be helpful.
• Please brush your teeth after every meal. In the surgical area, brush only gently along the crowns of the teeth. Spit out water carefully, but do not rinse.

Please contact us if needed – we are always here for you. The entire practice team wishes you a speedy recovery!