Leaflet Details
| Title | Surgery to the Mouth and Jaws |
| Department | Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery |
| Author(s) | Youssef Akoush |
| Review Date | July 2026 |
| Next Review | July 2028 |
| Download | A4 Handout PDF |
| Accessibility Options | Click on the Recite Me button to show our accessibility resources |
Patient Information
After the procedure - practical advice
It is normal to have:
- swelling (worst after 2-3 days),
- discomfort or pain,
- jaw stiffness,
- mild bruising of the cheek or jaw.
Use an ice pack externally over the cheek for short periods if swelling is a problem
These usually improve over 1-2 weeks.
Pain relief
Paracetamol and ibuprofen taken together often give good pain control (unless you have been advised not to take them).
Bleeding
Slight bleeding is common on the day of surgery. If bleeding continues, bite firmly on gauze or a clean handkerchief for 20-30 minutes. Do not use cotton wool to control bleeding, as it can stick to the wound and disturb healing
Mouth care
- Do not rinse or spit on the day of surgery.
- avoid hard / chewy foods, soft diet for 24 hours
- From the next day, gently rinse with warm salt water after meals for up to two weeks.
- Use ½ teaspoon of salt in a cup (≈250 ml) of warm water
- Gently rinse around the mouth for 30 seconds
- Let it fall out (do not spit forcefully)
- Repeat 3–4 times a day, especially after meals
Smoking and alcohol
Smoking / Vaping greatly increases the risk of complications, especially dry socket. Avoid smoking for as long as possible after surgery. Avoid alcohol while healing and while taking painkillers.
When to contact us
Please contact the Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery team if you have:
- increasing pain after day 3,
- heavy bleeding that does not stop bleeding after applying pressure for 20 minutes,
- increasing swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing or breathing,
- numbness that does not improve.
If You Need Help
If you have any problems after your surgery, please contact us.
During Office Hours
- Ashford Hospital: ☎️ 01784 884009
- St Peter's Hospital: ☎️ 01784 882028
- Maxillofacial Secretaries: ☎️ 01784 884123 - Select Option 2, then Option 2 (Maxillofacial)
Out of Hours - After 10:00pm (5:00pm on Fridays) and at weekends
- ☎️ Call St Peter's Hospital Switchboard: 01932 872000
Ask for the Oral & Maxillofacial Doctor on Call.
