Care of Your Mouth after Oral Surgery

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Pain

 There should be no pain immediately after operation due to the local anaesthetic used. This should last for 3-4 hours before sensation returns slowly and care should be taken to avoid biting the lip or tongue during this time.
 Pain tends to be worse on the second and thirrd day but gradually improves over a period of 7-10 days.
 Give regular pain relief for the 1st 24 hours.
 Simple painkillers such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen should control the pain. (Refer to dosages on the side of the bottle.)
 If there is sudden increase in pain after a few days, this may indicate infection and the department should be contacted.

Swelling
 This is common after surgery has been carried out in the jaw.
 The swelling reaches its maximum the day after surgery.
 Swelling should resolve by 7-10 days after surgery. Bruising of the face occasionally occurs and can take up to 2 weeks to go away.

Bleeding
 This should be minimal by the time you leave hospital.
 Blood stained saliva is to be expected for 24-48 hours after operation.
 Do not rinse the mouth for 24 hours. This may disturb the area and cause bleeding.
 If bleeding continues, roll up a piece of gauze and place it over the wound and bite firmly for at least 20 minutes.

Oral Hygiene
 After 24 hours use a hot salt water mouth wash. The water should be allowed to cool and a spoonful of salt added. Take a mouthful and hold it still for a couple of minutes before spitting out. Repeat 4 times daily for 5-7 days. This will help healing. If very young child you can use gauze to wipe gently around the mouth.
 Keep your teeth clean with gentle tooth brushing if possible.
 Corsodyl mouthwash will help reduce plaque while tooth brushing is difficult.

Diet
 24-48 hours –Regular diet. Do not chew on the site of the wound.

Stitches
 If you have stitches (sutures) in your mouth, these should drop out after a period of 7-10 days.

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

Things to Avoid
 No sport for 24 hours
 Try to avoid touching the area

School
 Be guided by how your child feels. Some children may not feel quite right the following day and may need to stay off school.

Follow up
 If follow up is needed, you are normally seen 2-3 weeks after surgery. An appointment is usually arranged before you leave the hospital.

Contact telephone numbers:
 Contact the Maxillofacial Unit on 01908 995308 or 01908 995258.
 Between 5pm and 9am or at weekends, phone the Luton and Dunstable Hospital on 01582 49 11 66 and ask for the Maxillofacial Senior House Officer on call.
 Paediatric Community Nurses 01908 996521.