Cover plate
During the operation to uncover your canine (eye tooth) a small window will be made in the gum in the roof of your mouth. You’ll get a plastic dressing plate after the operation which you must wear to protect the area. The plate will be held in your mouth with clips that attach to some of your back teeth.
You must wear your plate all the time. Remove only to clean your teeth and the plate itself. If you do not wear the plate as directed, the gum may grow back over the tooth as your mouth heals.
Discomfort
The roof of your mouth will feel sore after the operation. To help with pain take the same medicine that you would for a headache. Always read the directions for use. Any stitches you have will dissolve on their own.
Your plate will feel strange to begin with but this will ease off and you’ll soon get used to wearing it.
Speech
You may find your speech is different at first but this will improve after a few days. Practice at home on your own and read aloud with your plate in.
You may produce more saliva than usual and have to swallow more. This will quickly pass.
Eating & drinking
Wear your plate to eat and drink.
Eat soft foods cut into small pieces to begin with. You can gradually start to eat other types of food after a few days. Avoid hard, sticky and chewy foods. Avoid sticky, chewy or hard sweets, mints and sugared chewing gum.
Only drink plain milk or plain water between meals to avoid tooth decay. Do not drink any fizzy drinks (including diet or sugar-free drinks). Do not drink any sports drinks. Avoid fruit juices and smoothies between meals.
Cleaning routine
Please follow this routine to keep your mouth clean.
- Remove your plate and place it in a protective box.
- Rinse your mouth with a warm salt water mouthwash. To make these, fill a mug with warm water (boiled in a kettle then cooled) and stir in 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Brush your teeth and gums with fluoride toothpaste. Use an electric or manual toothbrush.
- Clean your plate with a separate toothbrush. Brush your plate with toothpaste and cold water. Your plate will break if you drop it. Clean it over a bowl or sink filled with water.
- Place the plate back in your mouth.
Remember to do this twice a day.
Appointments
You’ll need to be seen by the orthodontic team 2 weeks after surgery. The orthodontist will check the area and explain to you about your future braces treatment. Please check this appointment has been made.
If you have any problems or concerns before then, please ring the department as soon as possible on 01228 814225.
Useful websites
British Orthodontic Society – Patient Information Leaflets
British Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery – Exposure of Impacted Canine
Contact details
Orthodontic Department
Cumberland Infirmary
Newtown Road
Carlisle
CA2 7HY
Tel: 01228 814225
Confidentiality
‘The Trust’s vision is to keep your information safe in our hands.’ We promise to use your information fairly and legally, and in-line with local and national policies. You have a right to understand how your information is used and you can request a copy of the information we hold about you at any time.
For further information on confidentiality contact the Information Governance Team:
Information.Governance@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 603961
Feedback
We appreciate and encourage feedback, which helps us to improve our services. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns to make about your care, please contact the Patient, Advice & Liaison Service:
pals@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 814008 or 01946 523818
If you would like to raise a complaint regarding your care, please contact the Complaints Department:
complaints@ncic.nhs.uk | 01228 936302