FAQs

ADVICE ON ANTIBIOTICS AND THE ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE PILL
ADVICE TO PATIENTS FOLLOWING IMPLANT EXPOSURE
ADVICE TO PATIENTS FOLLOWING GUM SURGERY
ADVICE TO PATIENTS FOLLOWING IMPLANT PLACEMENT
ADVICE TO PATIENTS FOLLOWING TOOTH EXTRACTION
ADVICE TO PATIENTS FOLLOWING TRAUMATIC LOSS OF A TOOTH
ADVICE TO PATIENTS PRIOR TO RECEIVING SEDATION
ORAL HYGIENE AND DENTAL IMPLANTS

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ADVICE ON ANTIBIOTICS AND THE ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE PILL

This leaflet is given to ALL female patients prescribed a broad spectrum antibiotic as part of their dental treatment, in this practice.

This is to inform you of a potential problem if you are also taking the Oral Contraceptive Pill. Occasionally, the antibiotic may interfere with the way the Oral Contraceptive Pill works, making it less effective.

Accordingly, you are advised to use additional methods of contraception whilst taking your course of antibiotics, and for seven days after stopping your medication.

You must continue to take your contraceptive pill.

If these seven days run beyond the end of a packet of oral contraceptive pills, the next packet should be started without a break.

Any concerns or questions you may have regarding the contents of this leaflet can be addressed to your dentist IN COMPLETE CONFIDENCE.

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ADVICE TO PATIENTS FOLLOWING IMPLANT EXPOSURE

DISCOMFORT

Normally there is only very minor discomfort following implant exposure. Any discomfort can be minimised by following the instructions below.

PAIN

Take an analgesic tablet before the local anaesthetic has worn off, and you will be able to manage any discomfort better. Effects of pain medicines vary widely among individuals. If you do not achieve adequate relief, you may take two analgesic pills at one time during the early stages (but that may add to the risk of stomach upset). Remember that the most severe discomfort is usually within the first six hours after the anaesthetic wears off; after that your need for medication should lessen.

BLEEDING OR OOZING

Minor oozing may discolour your saliva for some hours after leaving the surgery. However, if bleeding continues and clots are evident, identify the source and apply gentle pressure to the area with a gauze pad soaked in warm salty water for 15 minutes. This may be repeated 3 – 4 times. If bleeding continues after this, contact the dental office.

CARE OF THE SURGICAL SITE

Do not disturb the surgical area today. Do NOT rinse vigorously or probe the area with any objects or with your fingers.

SMOKING and ALCOHOL

DO NOT SMOKE for at least two weeks after surgery, nor consume any alcoholic beverages for this period of time, since it is very detrimental to healing; follow all instructions regarding smoking given by your dentist.

DENTURES

Leave your denture out if instructed to do so, until it can be re-lined with a soft lining material. Insertion of dentures too early may jeopardise a successful healing process.

HOT FOOD AND DRINK

For the first 24 hours take no hot food or drinks. After this, avoid food which is tough and fibrous as this may damage the gums healing around the posts.

MOUTH RINSES

The day after surgery, commence warm salt water rinses. Use one-quarter teaspoon of salt dissolved in an 8 ounce glass of water and gently rinse with portions of the solution, taking five minutes to use the entire glassful. Repeat as often as you like, but at least two to three times daily for the next five days.

BRUSHING

Do not brush the area where posts have been placed for five days. Then commence gently with a soft toothbrush dipped in hot water.

PROBLEMS

Contact the surgery if:

The stitches become loose or fall out
There is excessive pain
There is excessive bleeding
The posts become loose

STITCH REMOVAL

After the stitches have been removed, the implants become your responsibility and it is your duty to keep all scheduled maintenance appointments and build a habit of rigorous cleanliness around these posts.

LATE PROBLEMS

You must contact the surgery if there is any alteration in the way your mouth feels in regard to pain, bleeding, loosening of implants, bad taste or any change in the way your teeth meet on closing your jaws.

It is our desire that your recovery be as smooth as possible. Following these instructions will assist you, but if you have questions about your progress, please call the office. Please try to call during office hours, however a 24-hour answering service is available for after hours contact with a dentist. Calling during office hours will afford a faster response.

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ADVICE TO PATIENTS FOLLOWING GUM SURGERY

DISCOMFORT

Normally there is only very minor discomfort following gum surgery. Any discomfort can be minimised by following the instructions below.

PAIN

Take an analgesic tablet before the local anaesthetic has worn off, and you will be able to manage any discomfort better. Effects of pain medicines vary widely among individuals. If you do not achieve adequate relief, you may take two analgesic pills at one time during the early stages (but that may add to the risk of stomach upset). Remember that the most severe discomfort is usually within the first six hours after the anaesthetic wears off; after that your need for medication should lessen.

BLEEDING OR OOZING

Minor oozing may discolour your saliva for some hours after leaving the surgery. However, if bleeding continues and clots are evident, identify the source and apply gentle pressure to the area with a gauze pad soaked in warm salty water for 15 minutes. This may be repeated 3 – 4 times. If bleeding continues after this, contact the dental office.

CARE OF THE SURGICAL SITE

Do not disturb the surgical area today. Do NOT rinse vigorously or probe the area with any objects or with your fingers.

SMOKING and ALCOHOL

DO NOT SMOKE for at least two weeks after surgery, nor consume any alcoholic beverages for this period of time, since it is very detrimental to healing; follow all instructions regarding smoking given by your dentist.

HOT FOOD AND DRINK

For the first 24 hours take no hot food or drinks. After this, avoid food which is tough and fibrous as this may damage the gums healing around the posts.

MOUTH RINSES

The day after surgery, commence warm salt water rinses. Use one-quarter teaspoon of salt dissolved in an 8 ounce glass of water and gently rinse with portions of the solution, taking five minutes to use the entire glassful. Repeat as often as you like, but at least two to three times daily for the next five days.

BRUSHING

Do not brush the area of gum surgery for four weeks, but brush all neighbouring areas as usual; the antiseptic mouthrinse will be the most important form of bacterial control for now. Do not use an ultrasonic toothbrush (eg Sonicare® toothbrush) for up to 8 weeks after surgery.

PROBLEMS

Contact the surgery if:

The stitches become loose or fall out
There is excessive pain
There is excessive bleeding

STITCH REMOVAL

The stitches will be removed after four weeks, and it is then your responsibility and your duty to keep all scheduled maintenance appointments and build a habit of rigorous cleanliness around the area of augmentation.

LATE PROBLEMS

You must contact the surgery if there is any alteration in the way your mouth feels in regard to pain, bleeding, loosening of gum graft, bad taste or any change in the way your teeth meet on closing your jaws.

 

It is our desire that your recovery be as smooth as possible. Following these instructions will assist you, but if you have questions about your progress, please call the office. Please try to call during office hours, however a 24-hour answering service is available for after hours contact with a dentist. Calling during office hours will afford a faster response.

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ADVICE TO PATIENTS FOLLOWING IMPLANT PLACEMENT

PLEASE READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. Sometimes the after-effects of oral surgery are quite minimal, so not all of these instructions may apply. Common sense will often dictate what you should do. However, when in doubt, follow these guidelines or call our office any time for clarification.

On the day of your surgery

DISCOMFORT

Normally implant placement is followed by only minor discomfort. Any discomfort can be minimised by following the instructions below.

PAIN

Take an analgesic tablet before the local anaesthetic has worn off, and you will be able to manage any discomfort better. Effects of pain medicines vary widely among individuals. If you do not achieve adequate relief, you may take two analgesic pills at one time during the early stages (but that may add to the risk of stomach upset). Remember that the most severe discomfort is usually within the first six hours after the anaesthetic wears off; after that your need for medication should lessen.

BLEEDING OR OOZING

Minor oozing may discolour your saliva for some hours after surgery. However, if bleeding continues and clots are evident, identify the source and apply gentle pressure to the area with a gauze pad soaked in warm salty water for 15 minutes. This may be repeated 3 – 4 times. If bleeding continues after this, please contact the dental office.

NAUSEA

Nausea is not an uncommon event after surgery, and it is sometimes caused by strong pain medicines. Nausea may be reduced by preceding each pill with a small amount of soft food, then taking the pill with a large volume of water. Try to keep taking clear fluids and minimize the pain medication, but call us if you do not feel better, or repeated vomiting is a problem. Cola drinks that have less carbonation may help with nausea.

CARE OF THE SURGICAL SITE

Do not disturb the surgical area today. Do NOT rinse vigorously or probe the area with any objects or with your fingers.

SLEEPING

Sleep with an extra pillow to lift your head for the first 2 – 3 nights to reduce the amount of swelling that may occur.

ICE PACKS

Ice packs can be held over the area operated upon for 20 – 30 minute intervals, totalling no more than one to two hours during the first two days after the operation. This will normally reduce the amount of swelling.

SMOKING and ALCOHOL

DO NOT SMOKE for at least two weeks before and after surgery, nor consume any alcoholic beverages for this period of time, since it is very detrimental to healing; follow all instructions regarding smoking given by your dentist.

DENTURES

Leave your denture out if instructed to do so, until it can be re-lined with a soft lining material. Insertion of dentures too early may jeopardise a successful healing process.

DIET

Eat any nourishing food that can be taken with comfort. Temperature of the food does not matter, but avoid extremely hot foods. It is sometimes advisable, but not required, to confine the first day’s intake to bland liquid or pureed foods (creamed soups, puddings, yoghurt, milk shakes etc.). Avoid foods such as nuts, sunflower seeds, popcorn etc that may get lodged in the surgical area. Over the next few days you can progress to solid foods at your own pace. It is important not to skip meals! If you take nourishment regularly, you will feel better, gain strength, have less discomfort and heal faster. If you are diabetic, maintain your normal eating habits as much as possible and follow instructions from us or your physician regarding your insulin schedule.

During the second and third days following surgery

MOUTH RINSES

Keeping your mouth clean after surgery is essential. Use one-quarter teaspoon of salt dissolved in an 8 ounce glass of water and gently rinse with portions of the solution, taking five minutes to use the entire glassful. Repeat as often as you like, but at least two to three times daily for the next five days.

BRUSHING

Begin your normal oral hygiene routine as soon as possible after surgery. Soreness and swelling may not permit vigorous brushing of all areas, but please make every effort to clean your teeth within the bounds of comfort.

HOT APPLICATIONS

Apply warm compresses to the skin overlying areas of swelling (hot water bottle, moist hot towels, heating pad) for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off to help soothe those tender areas. This will also help decrease swelling and stiffness.
HEALING AFTER TOOTH REMOVAL

If teeth were removed at surgery, normal healing after tooth extraction should progress as follows: The first day of surgery is usually the most uncomfortable and there is some degree of swelling and stiffness. The second day you will usually be far more comfortable and, although still swollen, you can usually begin a more substantial diet. From the third day on gradual, steady improvement should mark the remainder of your post-operative course. If a DRY SOCKET occurs (loss of blood clot from the socket, usually on the third to fifth day), there is noticeable, distinct, persistent throbbing pain in the jaw, often radiating toward the ear and forward along the jaw to cause other teeth to ache. If you do not see steady improvement during the first few days after surgery, don’t suffer needlessly. Call the office and report symptoms so you can be seen as soon as possible.

PROBLEMS

Contact the surgery if:

Numbness persists for more than six hours after the operation
The stitches become loose or fall out
There is excessive pain
There is excessive bleeding
The implants become visible

It is our desire that your recovery be as smooth as possible. Following these instructions will assist you, but if you have questions about your progress, please call the office. Please try to call during office hours, however a 24-hour answering service is available for after hours contact with a dentist. Calling during office hours will afford a faster response.

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ADVICE TO PATIENTS FOLLOWING TOOTH EXTRACTION

1) Avoid heavy exercise or lifting heavy objects for the rest of the day following the removal of a tooth. You may want to elevate the head slightly that night by using an additional pillow to sleep on.
2) Avoid alcoholic drinks for the first 24 hours, and hot drinks and cigarette smoking for the rest of that day.
3) Take pain-killing tablets as advised by your dentist. Follow any instructions regarding dosage carefully.
4) After 12 hours rinse your mouth gently with warm salt solution (level teaspoon of salt to a cup of water) and continue after meals and before bed for seven days, or as advised by your dentist.
5) You may feel the sharp edge of a socket with your tongue, and occasionally small fragments of bone may work their way out. This is normal.
6) Try not to disturb the socket with your tongue, by eating food on that side, or by vigorous rinsing. This will delay the healing process.

If excessive bleeding occurs…

1) Use some clean linen gauze about ½ inch wide to make a roll of 1 inch thick, thus forming a firm pad, or use a clean handkerchief. Make a few such pads if necessary.
2) In an upright position, locate the extraction socket in your mouth by gently clearing excessive blood with a clean linen square or tissue.
3) Place a gauze pad across the bleeding socket, making sure it fits against the gum.
4) Bite firmly to compress the pad on the bleeding socket for 10-15mins. Avoid lying down.
5) Inspect the socket and replace the pad, or use another one, if bleeding still appears from the socket.
6) If your efforts are unsuccessful after an hour or two, seek the advice of your dentist.
7) It is not unusual to experience swelling or discomfort for a few days. However, if pain, swelling or bleeding persists, contact your dentist.

…..but remember, if excessive bleeding does occur it is important to avoid exercise, drinking alcohol or disturbing the socket.

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ADVICE TO PATIENTS FOLLOWING TRAUMATIC LOSS OF A TOOTH

In children:

1.First aid and treatment for trauma to primary (milk) teeth:

Wash the wound with plenty of running water. Generally, dental trauma includes injuries to the adjacent soft tissue.
Stop the bleeding by compressing the injured area with gauze or cotton wool for five minutes.
If a milk tooth has been knocked out, do not push back into the socket for fear of damaging the underlying permanent tooth.
Seek emergency treatment from your dentist.

2.First aid and treatment to permanent teeth:

Follow the instructions below for adult teeth.

In adults:

1.First aid and treatment for an avulsed (knocked out) permanent tooth:

Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown.
If the tooth is dirty, wash briefly (10 seconds) under cold running water, and gently replace tooth into the socket.
If this is not possible, place the tooth in a glass of milk. The tooth can also be transported in the mouth, keeping it between the teeth and the cheek.
Seek emergency dental treatment immediately, as the tooth should optimally be replaced within the hour.

2.First aid for a crown fracture:

Find the tooth fragment and place in a glass of water.
Seek dental treatment immediately, as the broken piece of teeth may be repositioned using bonding techniques.

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ADVICE TO PATIENTS PRIOR TO RECEIVING SEDATION

The technique of intravenous sedation is designed to relax you during more complex dental procedures. This well-tried and tested procedure is quite unlike a general anaesthetic and you will be able to talk and respond to instructions, where necessary, throughout the treatment.

The following advice will help you benefit most from this technique. Make sure you advise us of any changes in your medical history, any medicines you are taking, and the outcome of any recent visits to the doctor.

On the day of your treatment

1.You may experience some loss of memory of events surrounding your treatment. It is important therefore that you are accompanied by a responsible adult and under no circumstances should you drive or use public transport. Sedation cannot be administered if you have not made arrangements to be taken home afterwards.

2.Arrange for someone to stay with you for eight hours after treatment, including when you get home.

3.Have a light meal before your treatment, but at least two hours prior to your appointment. Please be aware to discuss any dietary protocols due to a medical condition, such as in diabetes, with us before scheduling your sedation appointment, so that we can accommodate these.

4.Do not wear any nail varnish.

5.Do not drink alcohol 24 hours prior to sedation.

6.Ensure you have been to the toilet just before commencement of the treatment.

7.Ensure you are wearing something comfortable, with sleeves that can be rolled up.

During the 12 hours following treatment

1.Travel home with your escort, by car if possible.

2.Stay resting quietly at home for that day.

3.Do NOT use complex machinery.

4.Do NOT drive a motor vehicle or ride a bicycle.

5.Do NOT sign any legal or business documents, or make any important decisions.

6.Do NOT drink any alcohol.

7.Do NOT take sleeping tablets.

8.Observe all special precautions advised, such as the taking of painkillers.

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ORAL HYGIENE AND DENTAL IMPLANTS

HOME CARE
Implants with the longest history of comfort and function are those that reside in healthy, clean mouths. Your own implants should be maintained in a healthy condition by a combination of excellent oral hygiene practice at home and regular visits to the dental hygienist. During the early years you will commonly be asked back annually to check the implants by means of an X-ray.

OBJECTIVE

Tooth cleaning has the primary objective of preventing bacteria from plaque growing down into the crevice between the gum and the implant post. This area must be physically cleaned at least twice a day around every implant.

TIMING
As a minimum, teeth and implants should be thoroughly cleaned on waking to remove the abundant plaque that accumulates at night, and last thing at night before going to bed.

MATERIALS

Any soft/medium tooth brush, angulated brush or bottler brushes as appropriate may be recommended by your dentist/hygienist.

TOOTH-PASTE

Any anti-plaque tooth paste or gel, preferably not powder.

FLOSSING
‘Superfloss™’ type materials are excellent for polishing the necks of implants. Regular dental floss/tape may also be recommended. Floss threaders can be helpful in reaching otherwise difficult to cleaning areas.

ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH

Electric toothbrushes can be effective and may be recommended by your dentist/hygienist who will advise you on its appropriate use and efficacy.

IRRIGATION
Manual or electric irrigation systems can be used with Chlorhexidine or Saline solutions as advised by your dentist.

MOUTHWASHES
Mouth washes or gels: preferably Chlorhexidine based and used only as advised.

PROBLEMS
Contact your practice promptly if any teeth or implant-supported structures become loose or if you notice pain, bleeding, a bad taste or alteration in the way the teeth bite together.