Oral Surgery Post Operative Information
Operations inside the mouth (Oral Surgery), which may include the surgical removal of impacted or buried teeth are often bigger operations than the ordinary extraction of teeth. The following things may happen, all of which are considered normal;
- Slight bleeding can be expected for at least the first day after surgery.
- The face may swell, and is most swollen about two days after the operation. Most swelling occurs at the angles of the lower jaw. Some bruising may also develop.
- Swelling and stiffness of the jaw muscles may make it difficult to open the mouth fully for a week or more.
- Teeth next to the operation site may be sore to bite on for some days.
- The corners of the mouth, which have been stretched, often dry out and crack. Application of vaseline or skin cream will help prevent this.
- There may be a hole where the tooth has been removed. This can be kept clean from the day after the surgery with frequent hot salt water mouth washes. The hole will become lined with gum after about two weeks and food can be removed with a curved syringe until the area is filled with bone after three or four months.
- Local anaesthetic which causes numbness of the teeth, and lower lip and tongue may take over 12 hours to wear off.
Post Operative Instructions
Every effort is made to make your recovery following this operation as comfortable and rapid as possible. Around the time of your surgery you will have been given medication, including antibiotics, corticosteroids and pain killers. Patients are advised to contact the practice if they have any concerns or problems.
Diet
You will probably only want to have soft food for the first few days after the operation. During this period it is best to avoid alcohol and physical effort which may cause bleeding and pain.
Mouth washes
Try not to rinse out your mouth on the day of the operation. Movement of the cheeks and constant spitting out will disturb the blood clot in the socket. From the day after the surgery start using two types of mouthwash. Firstly a prescribed antibacterial mouthwash twice daily, in the morning and evening. During the day soak the surgical area every 2-3 hours with a mouthwash, made by dissolving half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of HOT water. The two mouthwashes are to reduce the chance of infection.
Bleeding
If there is persistent bleeding apply pressure to the area with the sterile gauze swabs provided. Rest in a sitting position for one hour. Repeat if necessary.
Teeth cleaning
Using a soft toothbrush, keep your teeth as clean as possible. Be careful around the surgical sites.
Pain
Having impacted teeth removed generally results in moderate to severe post-operative discomfort. You will have a prescription for two types of pain killer. Firstly an anti-inflammatory analgesic to be taken regularly, e.g. Tilcotil, once daily with food. If additional pain relief is required take two Panadeine, Codeine or Panadol tablets every 4-6 hours as necessary.
Other
If you develop a throbbing pain in the jaw 3-4 days after surgery you may have a dry socket. This can be treated with painkillers, or the socket may need to be washed out and dressed. If there is undue pain, excessive bleeding, or other complications at any time, telephone me for advice at the practice during the day, or at home after hours.
Follow up
To check on the progress of healing a post operative appointment will be arranged. It is not usually necessary to remove any sutures as they will dissolve after 5-7 days.