Recovering from Oral and Maxillofacial surgery takes time, and every patient heals differently.
Your Surgeon will guide you on preparing for surgery, including whether to arrange time off work or arrange support at home during recovery.
The information below provides general guidance about what to expect after surgery. If at any stage you feel unsure or concerned, please contact our practice. We are here to support you throughout your recovery.
All surgical procedures have some risk associated with them. Thankfully, most Oral and Maxillofacial surgery complications that may arise are easily managed, and it is important that you discuss both common and uncommon risks with your surgeon at the time of consultation.
You can reduce the risk of injury or infection by:
Contact our practice or Surgeon early with any concerns.
Yes. Some swelling, bruising and discomfort are common after surgery, especially in the early stages.
Using an ice pack in 15-minute intervals during the first 24 hours may be recommended to help reduce swelling. Take prescribed or recommended pain relief as directed.
If pain becomes severe or feels significantly worse rather than gradually improving, please call us on (07) 3852 4888 or your Surgeon directly if after hours.
A small amount of bleeding at the surgical wounds/suture sites is normal in the early post operative period. Light oozing is common in the first 24 hours. In most cases, this can be controlled with gentle pressure over the wound and application of clean dressings/gauze. For example, if bleeding occurs at a wisdom tooth site, you can bite down firmly on a clean gauze for 20 minutes and then re-assess.
Brisk bleeding or swelling that increases rapidly can be reason for concern and it is important to take appropriate measures and seek urgent advice. Your surgeon would normally be the first point of contact and their contact number available in your post-operative pack. In rare instances, it may be advisable to present to your nearest emergency department.
For the first 24 hours, avoid rinsing or brushing directly over the surgical site.
After this, gently rinse with warm salt water or an anti-septic rinse after meals to help keep the area clean. Continue brushing and flossing the rest of your mouth carefully, avoiding the surgical area until advised.
A member of our team will usually contact you about 24 hours after your procedure to check on your recovery.
A routine in-person review is not always required unless advised by the surgeon. If any concerns arise, please contact us promptly so we can advise you.
Contact our practice or Surgeon if you experience:
If you experience difficulty breathing, chest pain or any serious medical emergency, call 000 or attend your nearest emergency department.
If you have any questions during your recovery, please call our team on (07) 3852 4888 or the Surgeon directly if after-hours. Clear communication and early advice can help ensure a smooth recovery.
