Post-Operative Instructions — ORE Part 1 MCQ

Correct answer: A — Avoid rinsing for 24 hours, then use warm salt water rinses after meals for 1 week

The correct answer is A. Post-operative socket care focuses on protecting the forming blood clot. UK NHS guidance consistently recommends avoiding any rinsing, spitting or mouth disturbance for the first 24 hours to prevent clot dislodgement and bleeding. From day 2, warm salt water mouthwashes (made with ½ teaspoon salt in warm water) should be used gently after meals and at least 3-4 times daily for approximately 1 week. This promotes cleansing while protecting the healing socket. Option E is incorrect because vigorous rinsing with any agent immediately post-operatively disturbs the clot; chlorhexidine rinsing, if used, starts from day 2 onwards and should be gentle. Option C wrongly specifies 'continuous' application; ice is used intermittently for 24–48 hours in short applications to reduce swelling. Option B is dangerous: eating on the surgical side risks clot disturbance and bleeding. Option D violates standard post-operative restrictions: strenuous exercise must be avoided for at least 72 hours to prevent bleeding and compromise healing. This is an Easy-tier question testing fundamental post-operative wound care principles applicable to all tooth extractions.

Reference: NHS Tayside Oral Surgery Post-Operative Instructions; UCLH Dental Extractions Post-operative Instructions; Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust Post-operative Care Advice. Current UK NHS practice guidance on extraction socket care. https://www.nhstaysidecdn.scot.nhs.uk/NHSTaysideWeb/idcplg?IdcService=GET_SECURE_FILE&dDocName=PROD_262238&Rendition=web&RevisionSelectionMethod=LatestReleased&noSaveAs=1