SECTION ONE The first 24 hours Numbness The numbness may last up to three hours. While your lip, cheek or tongue feels numb, avoid hot food and drinks, and take care not to bite or chew the soft tissues by accident. Bleeding Blood-stained saliva is normal for 24–48 hours. If bleeding is persistent, roll a piece of damp gauze into a firm pad, place it over the socket and bite down steadily for at least 15 minutes without checking it. Sit upright and stay calm. Pain relief Begin your painkillers as the anaesthetic starts to wear off, rather than waiting for pain to build. Discomfort is often worst on the second or third day and then improves steadily over 7–10 days. Paracetamol and ibuprofen, taken as directed on the packet, control most post-operative pain. If you cannot take either for medical reasons, please speak to us or to your pharmacist first. Do not exceed the stated dose, and avoid aspirin as it may increase bleeding. Swelling and bruising Swelling is common after surgery on the jaw. It usually reaches its maximum 2–3 days afterwards and settles within 7–10 days. Bruising of the face occasionally appears and can take up to two weeks to fade. A covered cold pack held against the cheek for 10 minutes at a time during the first day may help. Do not rinse today Do not rinse your mouth for the rest of today. Rinsing, spitting or using a straw can disturb the blood clot in the socket and restart the bleeding. Salt-water rinsing begins tomorrow — see overleaf. Today, in short Rest quietly and sit upright; avoid bending, lifting and hot drinks. No rinsing, spitting, straws, smoking or alcohol. Start your painkillers before the numbness wears off. Soft, cool food once the numbness has fully gone. • • • • • • • Page 2 Post-operative instructions
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