Local Anaesthesia

ORAL SURGERY DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS
for patients undergoing local anaesthesia (LA)

  • You have some stitches in your mouth following surgery. They dissolve and usually fallout any time from 2 days to 2 weeks following surgery. Some of the stitches may fall out quickly, but has no adverse effect on healing.

  • After 24 hours use frequent mouthwashes. The best mouthwash is Chlorhexidine (Corsodyl) diluted half strength with warm water used 3 times a day for 1 week. An alternative is warm salty water (1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of water, used up to four times a day).

  • The evening of surgery, you can start to use your toothbrush. You can start gentle brushing with a soft nylon multi-tuft toothbrush. It is important to clean your teeth close to the site of surgery. For the first week after surgery, you should toothbrush after every meal.


  • It is normal to have some pain for up to 7 days after surgery. Suitable painkillers are Ibuprofen (Nurofen) 400mgs 3 times a day. These are usually the most effective painkillers and work best when taken regularly with food. If they upset your stomach or cause indigestion, you should stop taking them. If the pain is not controlled with Ibuprofen, you can take Paracetamol 500mgs x 2 up to 4 times a day, AS WELL as Ibuprofen.





If you have any problems please phone the hospital. We are here to help although most oral surgery heals relatively quickly and you should have no problems if you use the mouthwashes and clean your teeth to avoid infection.

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