Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Post Operative Instructions
- After surgery of the mouth or jaws some swelling and discomfort can be expected.
- Painkillers will not be prescribed; you will need to purchase painkillers such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen.
- Antibiotics may be prescribed. If you are given antibiotics please finish the course.
- Slight oozing and blood staining of your saliva for several hours is normal.
- Do not rinse your mouth for at least 24 hours after surgery or the blood clot will be disturbed and cause bleeding.
- In case of bleeding, compress the surgical site with the gauze provided for 15-20 mins to stop the bleeding. This can be repeated upto 3 times, if it continues you may need to be in touch with the OMFS team or call NHS 111 in case of an emergency.
- Avoid hot drinks and hard chewy foods for 24 hours.
- Keeping your mouth clean is very important. Brush your teeth normally but avoid the operated area for a few days. Use Corsodyl mouthwash after every meal for 2 weeks starting the day after surgery. An alternative is warm salt water.
- You may have stitches but these should dissolve after 2-6 weeks.
- You may use ice packs for the first 2 to 3 days to help limit any swelling.
- Follow-up is not normally arranged; however, if you have any problems, please call us on 0300 614 0240 for advice between 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Monday to Friday. In an emergency after 5:00 pm, ring 0208 864 3232 and ask for Bleep 900, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery S.H.O. Out of hours emergency treatment MAY involve travel to the Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, Middx.
- If you have had a biopsy of a clinically benign lesion, you should receive a letter in the post with the results within 6-8 weeks. A copy of the biopsy report will be sent directly to your referring practitioner. Please contact the Oral Surgery Department’s number at Wexham Park Hospital as stated above if you do not receive the report within 8 weeks.
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/005
Approval date:
13 January 2025
Review date:
1 January 2028
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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.