After Pre-Prosthetic Jaw Surgery

Bleeding

A small amount of bleeding is to be expected following the operation. If bleeding occurs, place a gauze pad directly over the bleeding socket and apply biting pressure for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues, a moist tea bag can be used for 30 minutes. If bleeding occurs avoid hot liquids, exercise, and elevate the head. If bleeding persists call the office. Do not remove an immediate denture unless the bleeding is severe; expect some oozing around the side of the denture.

Swelling

To minimize swelling, apply an ice pack on the cheek in the area of surgery. Keep the ice packs on for 30 minutes, then remove them for 30 minutes. Continue to repeat this cycle to help control pain and swelling. Apply the ice for the first 36 hours after your procedure.

Medications

Have your prescriptions filled and take your medications as directed on each prescription bottle. For the most effective pain relief, take your first dose of pain medicine after you get home, before the numbness wears off. Do not operate machinery or drive a car for 24 hours after your surgery if you had IV anesthesia (through a needle in your arm) or after taking prescription pain medication. The prescribed pain medicine will make you groggy and will slow down your reflexes. Avoid alcoholic beverages. For moderate discomfort, adults may use Tylenol or Extra-Strength Tylenol, one or two tablets every 3-4 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 200mg can be taken 2-4 tablets every 6 hours. Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside more and more every day. If pain persists, you may require attention and you should call the office.

Antibiotics may be given to help prevent infection. Be sure to take the prescribed antibiotics as directed. Discontinue antibiotic use in the event of a rash or other unfavorable reaction. Call the office if you have any questions.

Diet

Drink plenty of fluids: at least six glasses of liquid the first day. Restrict your diet to liquids and soft foods which are comfortable for you to eat. As the wounds heal you will be able to advance your diet.

Oral Hygiene

Do not rinse your mouth or brush your teeth after surgery the day of your surgery. The next day you may rinse gently and brush gently. Warm salt water is appropriate to rinse with. Use one-half teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water and rinse three or four times each day for five days. Minor bleeding may occur when you brush or rinse during the first week. Do not be alarmed by this. Alcohol based mouth rinses can be a little hard on the healing tissue and blood clot the first few days. Rather than use them, you may find a sugarless breath mint helps your mouth feel fresher.

Other Possible Complications After Pre-Prosthetic Jaw Surgery

The removal of many teeth at one time is quite different than the extraction of one or two teeth. Because the bone must be shaped and smoothed prior to the insertion of a denture, the following conditions may occur, all of which are considered normal:
Discoloration around the eyes or face - The application of a moist warm towel will help speed up the removal of discoloration. The towel should be applied continuously for as long as tolerable beginning 36 hours after surgery. (Remember: Ice packs are used for the first 24-36 hours only.)
Fever - Slight elevation of temperature immediately following surgery is not uncommon. If the temperature persists, notify the office. Tylenol or ibuprofen should be taken to reduce the fever.
Dry/cracked lips - If the corners of your mouth are stretched after surgery, they may dry out and crack. Your lips should be kept moist with a lip balm or Vaseline.
Earache/sore throat - It is normal to experience a slight earache or pain when swallowing after surgery. As the muscles near the extraction site get swollen, the normal act of swallowing can then become painful. This will subside in 2-3 days.
Sore spots - If immediate dentures have been inserted, sore spots may develop. In most cases your dentist will see you within 24-48 hours after surgery and make the necessary adjustments to relieve those sore spots. Failure to do so may result in severe denture sores, which may prolong the healing process.