Patient advice for minor oral surgery

Questions and Answers

 

Will I need someone to bring me and take me home?

As you will be having minor surgical treatment carried out, it would be preferable although not essential if someone could come with you and help you home afterwards

 

How long will I have to stay off work?

You may have to take some time off work, depending on your treatment, your job and how you feel. Children who are having teeth extracted must be kept home from school for at least the following day

 

Will it be painful afterwards?

You will probably experience some jaw ache and discomfort on eating at first. Should you require some painkillers before you leave, you will be given some. You may also be prescribed painkillers for you to take home.

 

Will I be swollen or bruised afterwards?

You may have some swelling and possibly bruising around the jaw, this will gradually disappear within a week.

 

Will I have stitches?

You may have some dissolving stitches put in your gums, which you may feel with your tongue. Depending upon the type of stitch used, the time it takes to dissolve may vary between 3—5 weeks.

 

How can I help to avoid any discomfort when drinking or eating

Avoid very hot or cold foods at first, as you will be more sensitive to extremes of temperature. You may prefer to eat a soft diet, progressing to a normal diet over a few days. Please try to drink plenty of fluids

 

Will I be able to clean my teeth?

After 24 hours you will be advised to use warm salt- water mouthwashes and allowed to return to normal tooth brushing. This will be tender at first, but it is very important to use your mouthwashing after eating to prevent infection. You must continue to do this until your mouth heals.

 

What should I avoid for the first 24 hours?

Mouthwashing, hot drinks, alcohol, smoking, exercise or strenuous effort.

 

What should I avoid for the first week?

Alcohol, smoking, strenuous effort.

 

What could go wrong after I get home?

You could experience bleeding. If you do apply pressure by biting on a clean rolled handkerchief in your mouth, over the operation site for at least 20 minutes.

 

What should I do if the bleeding doesn’t stop?

You should contact the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery . Outside normal hours contact the oral surgeon on call through switch board.

 

Should I discontinue taking the contraceptive pill?

No – please do not disturb your cycle. Antibiotics prescribed may counteract the pills efficiency so you may need to take extra precautions until your next period.

 

Should I eat before coming to the hospital?

Yes, you should have your normal meal prior to your appointment

 

What happens after the operation?

The doctor and the nurse will go through aftercare with you, and you may be kept in a recovery bay for a short period of time, depending on the procedure carried out. You will be able to go home, with your escort if you have one, after a short recovery time. A follow-up appointment may be required, and this will either be given to you before you go, or sent to your home address after a few days.

 

Please ask staff to explain anything you do not understand and let us know if we can do anything else to help you.

Minor Oral Surgery Under local anaesthesia.

 

This leaflet has been designed for you to improve your understanding of your forthcoming operation and contains many commonly asked questions. If you have any questions or would like further explanation please discuss this with your doctor or attending nurse