Oral Maxillofacial Surgery Gold Coast - Pacific Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Introduction
There are several side effects which may occur following oral surgery. During the surgery every effort is made to minimize the chances of these occurring. However it is not uncommon for a patient to experience one or more of the common side effects to a greater or lesser extent. The aim of this brochure is to outline how you can identify and manage these side effects safely and effectively.

General Post Operative Care
The patient should have a quiet rest at home for two days following surgery for all but the most minor procedures. During this period hot foods and beverages should be avoided as they encourage swelling and can cause bleeding. Food is best prepared lukewarm and pureed during this time. The patient should be encouraged to eat especially on the day of discharge from hospital. Harder foods can be introduced progressively over the next week until the patient is back to their normal diet. Vigorous exercise or heavy manual labour should not be undertaken for 5 days following surgery as bleeding or increased swelling could result. Many patients find that they can undertake most day to day activities at the end of the first postoperative week with full healing complete at the end of the second week.

Bleeding
Slight oozing from the wounds for 48 hours following surgery is normal. Usually this is just enough to discolour the patient's saliva. Bright red blood or large blood clots are not normal and are a sign of active bleeding. Moderate pressure applied to the wound for 45 minutes using clean gauze or a clean knotted handkerchief will normally stop most oral bleeding. If this is not successful repeat the process. Please contact me if this fails.

Swelling
Swelling is a natural consequence of surgery and is part of the first stage of healing. The swelling will be at its worst 2 days following the operation after which it will rapidly resolve. For patients having their operations performed in hospital ice packs will be placed on the affected sides immediately following surgery. Patients treated in the rooms should start their cold therapy immediately on returning home. Ice packs should be applied for 45 minutes then followed by a break of one hour. This cycle should be repeated whilst the patient is awake for the first 48 hours postoperatively. In addition ice cubes held in the mouth on the affected side will also help reduce swelling and pain. Hot packs and hot mouth rinses can be used following the first 48 hours to reduce the swelling and to regain mouth opening persists.

Pain
Long acting local anaesthetic will be given at the time of surgery to make you more comfortable immediately following surgery. This may last in some cases for twenty- four hours. Strong pain-killers may also be prescribed. Most patients will only need Panadiene or Mersyndol available at the chemist over the counter. None of these should be taken on an empty stomach. Please ensure that some substantial food is taken at the same time or shortly before you take these tablets. In most cases the dose is two tablets every six hours if required. If the pain is not severe then one tablet may be enough. For children Painstop liquid from the chemist is usually the best formulation to use.

Wound Care
Do not brush the area near the wound for 5 days. Use a chlorhexidine based mouthwash (e.g. Savacol or Plaqicide) after meals to keep the wound clean. Ten millilitres of this mouthwash should be mixed in a glass of cold water for the first two days following surgery. Hot water should be used after that. Hold each mouthful! in the mouth for 30 seconds. The stitches will start to dissolve 5 to 7 days following surgery with all of them normally gone after two weeks.

If you have any further questions in relation the operation or this form, please contact the surgery on 07 55 031744. For urgent after please contact Dr Thurnwald on the number provided on his discharge instruction sheet.