Possible Complications Following Oral Surgery

Detailed Instructions:

Tooth extractions and other oral surgical procedures are similar to any other surgery. Your own care and the following instructions will speed your recovery. The major complications after oral surgery and suggested treatments are as follows:

Bleeding: The best treatment for bleeding is constant, firm pressure applied to the bleeding area by means of gauze packs placed in such a manner that when you close your mouth, pressure is applied to the area. Hold gauze pressure for 20 minutes, then change, or remove in total if initial bleeding has stopped. Do not use a mouthwash for the first 24 hours after surgery. Vigorous rinsing during this time will stimulate bleeding. Kleenex or other paper tissues are of no value, and in fact, tend to irritate and promote the bleeding. The only substitute for gauze is a moist tea bag, held over the area for 60 minutes. If profuse bleeding continues, call the office.

Pain: Surgical operations in the highly sensitive oral cavity can be expected to produce some postoperative pain. If a prescription has been given, take the medication only as needed for pain. Occasionally, severe pain will develop in the jaw, face, or ear, from 2 days to 2 weeks following surgery. The pain is sometimes accompanied by bad taste in the mouth. In most cases, this indicates that the blood clot in the tooth socket has decomposed, exposing the bony walls of the socket. Return for treatment of this socket to control the pain and aid healing.

Swelling: Postoperative swelling normally follows oral surgical procedures. The swelling will be more noticeable on the second and third day. Keep your head up above your heart for the first 24 hours after surgery (semi-recline). You may help to reduce the swelling by applying ice bags to your face over the area of the surgery for the first 24 hours after surgery. The day after surgery, saltwater mouth rinses (1/2 teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water) every 2-3 hours (6 times per day) may be helpful in reducing the swelling and postoperative pain. The temperature of the water should be as warm as possible without causing any damage from burning. Continue to use the saltwater rinses for the next 14 days. Hydrogen peroxide diluted with water 50:50 can also be used once a day to speed healing and protect against infection. After 24 hours, it should be necessary to continue with cold applications. You may expect swelling for 10 days to 2 weeks and a fever of 99-110 degrees F.

Stiffness: This is a condition which is due to a tightening of the muscles of the jaw, making it difficult to open the mouth for a few days to weeks. To prevent stiffness and to stimulate circulation, a gentle program of exercise of the muscles such as chewing gum during the day will help as long as stiffness and swelling persists.

Sharp Bony Projections: During the healing process, small, sharp fragments of bone may loosen and work up through the gum. These are not roots and often work out themselves. Return for their simple removal.

Discoloration: After surgery in the mouth, the soft tissues have been replaced and sutured in position. In some cases, there is initial bleeding beneath the tissues. Discoloration will follow and is a normal postoperative event. Heat in any form will aid in its disappearance.

Diet: In almost every instance, you will heal faster if you have adequate nourishment after surgery. Avoid meat and food that is difficult to chew for a few days. We suggest a soft diet with food supplements, a good liquid intake, and cold foods (which tend to be soothing). Fresh fruits and juices are suggested. A non-prescription maintenance multivitamin should be taken once a day during the healing period.

Healing: You may speed the healing and eliminate complications by keeping your mouth clean with gentle rinsing, but otherwise being careful to avoid injury or irritation to the surgical area. Remove all white film from the gums by means of a cotton applicator using saltwater. You may brush your teeth 3 times a day, avoiding the surgical site. Continue using saltwater rinses for the next 14 days following surgery after every solid food meal. No smoking for 1 week.