For minor surgical procedures

1. Rinsing
If you have had a procedure in your mouth do not rinse your mouth today. Begin rinsing your mouth gently every 4 hours the day after your procedure with warm salt water mouth wash. You should also use a antiseptic mouthwash (curasept) twice a day. Rinsing should continue at least until after your sutures have dissolved. Please continue to brush your teeth, avoiding near where you had surgery.

2. If you have had upper (posterior) teeth removed
Avoid blowing your nose, sucking through straws, playing musical wind instruments or rinsing vigorously for the initial 2 weeks after surgery.

3. Do not eat or drink anything hard or hot and avoid strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours

4. No alcohol or cigarettes for at least 48 hours

5. Should bleeding persist place gauze over the surgery site and bite firmly down for at least 30 minutes until the bleeding stops

6. Take care not to bite your lip whilst it is numb

7. Pain
For pain relief take Panadol, Mersyndol or Nurofen. Nurofen can be taken with Panadol or panadeine for stronger pain relief. Your surgeon will often supply you with a prescription for stronger pain relief if it is felt that these may be necessary. These can sometimes cause nausea and vomiting. The best way to keep strong pain under control is to take pain relief regularly.