Oral and maxillofacial surgery can involve the teeth, their supporting structures – the tissue and the bone, or any other soft tissue of the mouth or the neck. Upon discharge from the hospital, or following an outpatient procedure within our surgery, patients are advised to return back home and rest for the day. It is recommended to always be accompanied by a family or friend, and driving should be avoided.

CARE OF ORAL SURGERY WOUNDS

Your cooperation with the following instructions will go a long way toward helping you have a smooth and uneventful post-operative course.

• After surgery healing usually occurs quickly and without complication.
• There is always a risk of infection in healing oral wounds. The risk of infection is increased with smoking and the placement of foreign objects into the mouth such as fingers or pencils.
• The mouth should be kept clean by using a soft toothbrush to clean the teeth but avoiding the wound or extraction socket.
• Please do not chew a numb lip or tongue as injury can result.
• Any stitches in the mouth will be dissolvable and usually disappear within 10-14 days.
• The most common complications are pain, swelling, bleeding and infection.

BLEEDING

• Bleeding will be under control by the time you leave the hospital. Continued bleeding upon discharge is not normal, however, some oozing or blood-tinged saliva may persist for up to 24- 48 hours.
• Should excessive bleeding occur, it may be controlled with pressure.
• Apply a folded gauze pad (from the chemist) or a small, cleaned, dampened  handkerchief over the area and bite firmly for 30 minutes. This may be repeated if necessary.
• Sleeping with the head of bed elevated above the level of the heart for the first two post-operative nights will minimize bleeding and swelling.

PAIN

• Pain is best controlled by the medications prescribed. They are most effective when taken before the local anaesthesia diminishes and normal sensation returns to the area.
• Do not take pain pills on an empty stomach.  Narcotic pain medication such as codeine may cause nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, itching or constipation.
• If these side effects occur, discontinue the medication. You may take an alternative over the counter pain medication if necessary. If the pain worsens you should call TOMIS or Dr. Ankit Garg.

SWELLING

• Swelling may occur immediately and/or increase gradually over 24-48 hours. It is common and can cause some difficulty with mouth opening. To minimize stiffness and stimulate circulation, exercise the jaw periodically by opening and closing. 
• Restricted jaw opening usually requires 7-14 days to return to normal. Swelling from the surgical procedure will maximize at 48-72 hours.
• Ice packs applied externally to the area at 20 minutes intervals throughout the first day or two after surgery may help control swelling.
• Do not apply ice packs or ice directly to the skin, instead use a tea towel or washer as a buffer.

INFECTION

• Continued pain, swelling or a raised temperature may indicate infection. Due to infection spreading or delaying healing, you should contact TOMIS if you are concerned.
• Strict oral hygiene can help avoid infection. Rinsing after meals with savacol (available from supermarkets or pharmacies) or a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water will assist.
• If food packing in the wound occurs it may require proper syringing.
• Please contact our rooms if you are concerned about this.