Oral surgery - Post-operative instructions following Oral Surgery

Pain

• There should be no pain immediately after the operation due to the local anaesthetic used. This should last for 2-3 hours before sensation returns and care should be taken to avoid biting the lip or tongue during this time
• Pain tends to be worse on the 2nd or 3rd day but gradually improves over a period of 7-10 days
• Simple painkillers such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen should control the pain
• If there is a sudden increase in pain after a few days, this may indicate infection and the department should be contacted

Swelling and Bruising

• This is common after surgery
• The swelling reaches its maximum 2-3 days after surgery, this should resolve 7-10 days after surgery
• Bruising of the face occasionally occurs and can take up to 2 weeks to resolve

Bleeding

• This should be minimal by the time you leave the surgery/ hospital
• Blood-stained saliva is to be expected for 24-48 hours after the operation
• Do not rinse the mouth on the day of your surgery. This may disturb the blood clot and cause bleeding
• If persistent bleeding occurs, roll up a piece of gauze or a cotton handkerchief and place it over the area and bite firmly for at least 15 minutes, you may need to repeat this once or twice. (Do not use tissue as this will stick to the area)
• If your facial wound is bleeding, apply pressure with the gauze squares/cotton handkerchief as above
• If bleeding persists, do not hesitate to contact the department (Accident and Emergency out of hours)

After the procedure

Oral Hygiene

• The next day, use a saltwater mouth bath. The water should be as warm as possible and a teaspoonful of salt added. Take a mouthful and hold it still over the area for a couple of minutes before spitting out
• Repeat this as often as possible, especially after mealtimes. This will help with the healing
• Brush your teeth as normal, refrain from brushing the surgical area for 24 hours

Diet

• Your mouth opening maybe restricted for around 7 days
• Eating semi- solid food should be possible
• Gradually start eating normally according to how you feel

Stitches

• If you have stitches (sutures) in your mouth, these should dissolve and/or drop out after a period of 7-10 days
• Stitches on the face, need to be removed between 5-7 days either by the department or your GP

Medication

• Antibiotics after the operation may be required in some cases
• If necessary, antibiotics and painkillers will be prescribed or advice given

Time off work

• This will depend on your profession and the amount of surgery
• The average time off work should be between 3-5 days, but there is a great deal of variation between individuals

Follow-up

• If a follow-up appointment is needed, this is usually 2 weeks after surgery

Contact Numbers

Appointment Enquiries - 0161 206 4100
Pain Following Treatment - 0161 206 8203/0161 206 4733
A&E - 0161 206 4841
Email: Oral.surgery2@nca.nhs.uk