Oral Surgery Preoperative Information

Any oral surgery operation including the removal of impacted or unerupted teeth is a more major procedure than the simple extraction of teeth. Below is a list of important information you need to be made aware of:

1. Slight oozing of blood mixed with saliva can be expected for a short time (up to six hours) following surgery.
2. The face may swell considerably on the side operated on. Ice packs will help in the first 24 hours.
3. There may be some bruising on the face and neck on the side operated on.
4. There may be some stiffness of the jaw muscles or joint making it difficult to open the mouth.
5. There will be some discomfort at the surgical site. Taking the prescribed pain killers will keep you comfortable.
6. The corners of the mouth may dry out and crack if they have been stretched. Application of a strong moisturiser (such as Vaseline) to the lips will make them more comfortable.
7. The teeth adjacent to the operation site may be tender or senstive for a short time.
8. There may be a cavity where the tooth was removed. This should be kept as clean as possible with either warm salty water or Savacol mouthwash. This cavity may fill in with time.
9. After your surgery your mouth, lower lip, chin and tongue will feel numb. This is because local anaesthesia has been used to make you feel comfortable during and after the surgery. So take extra care to avoid biting or burning your lip and tongue. In very rare cases there may be an area of residual numbness in the lower lip, chin, gum or tongue on the side of the operation. Occasionally this may affect the taste of food. This is usually temporary which will correct itself in time.
10. As with all operations there is a risk of a post-operative infection. Depending on the situation, your surgeon may decide to put you on some antibiotics.
11. If you are to have upper teeth removed, there is a possibility of an opening forming between the mouth and the sinuses. This is due to the roots of the upper teeth being in close proximity to the nasal sinuses. Your surgeon will advise you if this is a risk of your procedure and if you should refrain from blowing your nose for two weeks. The majority of openings will close over spontaneously.