Apart from the obvious discomfort, surgery is a situation connected with a certain amount of fear and anxiety. We hope that this guide will answer the most frequently asked questions and lessen your worries to the least possible.

Swelling after oral surgery is not at all uncommon. The swelling can increase 1 - 2 days after surgery and stay swollen 2 - 5 days after the procedure. The swelling is normally an accumulation of fluid and is not a sign of inflammation. Placing an ice pack on the cheek the first 12 hours after surgery - a bag of frozen peas will do nicely - can reduce the swelling, after which chill and draughts must be avoided.

- If the swelling increases violently after the first 24 hours
- If you experience difficulties swallowing, or
- If a fever rises

it may well be an inflammatory condition and you should contact the clinic.

Pain may occur the first days after surgery. Normally it will be sufficient to use the pills agreed upon. Avoid using other pills than those advised by the clinic. If the pain is violent and increasing, you should contact the clinic for advice.

Bleeding will always occur in small amounts after surgery. The saliva will appear red the first 24 hours after surgery, and a little oozing of blood from the wound will appear the first 24 hours after the procedure.

Avoid physically strenuous activities for a week after surgery.

Elevate your head at night.

If the wound starts bleeding a lot, you should carefully place a pad of gauze or a roll of cotton on the wound and keep it there for 15 minutes. Repeat this if necessary. If you cannot successfully stop the bleeding, you should contact the clinic.

The wound is to be left undisturbed. Avoid touching it with fingers, toothpicks, toothbrush or handkerchiefs. Avoid touching the wound with your tongue or sucking at the wound. After a few days the wound will appear white or yellowish. This is quite normal and is not a sign of inflammation.

Oral hygiene is just as important after surgery. The mouth must be kept as clean as possible.

Toothbrushing must be done as usual, only with great care shown in the surgical area, not to disturb the healing of the wound and possible stitches.
Do not brush directly on the wound itself!

Mouthwash must be done with great care the first day. The following days the mouth must be washed after each meal, as well as in the morning and evening.

For the mouthwash an antiseptic mouthwash is recommended. If this is not available, ordinary mouthwash can be done with a tepid saline solution (1/2 - 1 teaspoon salt in 1 glass of boiled water) or tepid camomile tea.

Eating should be avoided the first 2 hours after surgery. Liquids may be consumed. The first 24 hours after the procedure, the diet should consist only of soft foods and liquids. The following days you can combine these, until you feel that you can cope with a more regular diet. It is important that the diet after surgery is nourishing and rich on vitamins.
It is also important, that you won't accidentally chew on the wound, so try to favour the healthy side of the mouth. Avoid chewing on regular food in the area of surgery until you have been to a check-up and have had the stitches removed.

Should any acute problems arise, where help or first aid is needed outside the clinics opening hours, you should contact your doctor or the nearest emergency room.

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