Advice after your nerve block for surgery
On this page…
Minor Oral Surgery
After your initial consultation with the doctor, your name will be placed on the local anaesthetic waiting list. An appointment will be sent to you when your name reaches the top of the list.
On the day of your operation, please report to the Oral Surgery Department, Clinic 5, at the appointed time. You must not starve before your appointment – PLEASE EAT AND DRINK SOMETHING BEFORE YOU ATTEND THE CLINIC.
You will be given a local anaesthetic (an injection into the gum) which freezes the area so that you will not feel any pain during the operation. The numbness will take about 1½ to 2 hours or longer to wear off. Be careful not to bite or burn yourself whilst your mouth is still numb.
After surgery of the mouth or jaws, some swelling and discomfort is usual.
You may need to take painkillers such as Paracetamol. An antibiotic may also be prescribed if necessary. Keeping your mouth clean is important and further instructions will be given to you following the surgery.
You may have some stitches but these will usually fall out themselves and can take up to three weeks to do so.
You should be fit to drive home but if you feel you would be happier, please bring an escort.
You may eat and drink anything you feel you can manage following the operation, i.e., fairly soft food on the day, taking a normal diet when you feel able. Do not drink anything too hot or too cold for the first few hours.
Please note that if you need an I.N.R. check and / or antibiotic cover, you should allow at least an extra hour for your visit on the day of your minor operation.
If you have any queries at all please call us on 0300 614 0240 – Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Oral and maxilofacial surgery service.
About this information
Service:
Oral and maxilofacial surgery
Reference:
M/004
Approval date:
13 January 2025
Review date:
1 January 2028
Click ‘show accessibility tools’ at the bottom of the page
Then click ‘select language’
Alternative formats
You can use the accessibility toolbar at the bottom of your screen to:
-
Change the text size
-
Adjust the font
-
Modify the colour contrast
-
Use the translate function
If you would like this information in another format, such as Braille, audio, or easy read, please speak to a member of staff.
You can also print as well as download as PDF using the “Print this page” button at the end of the page.
Staff will print a copy for you on request
Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.