Local pressure directly on the surgical site should control most cases of post-operative bleeding. Biting on moist gauze pads, or moist tea bags for 30 minutes will suffice. Please call if heavy bleeding continues.

Post-operative nausea and vomiting is usually related to either swallowing blood or narcotic pain medicine. Control bleeding first. Clear liquids only and avoid dairy products. Stop taking narcotic analgesics. Please call if n/v persists.

Bruising seems to be a very individual occurance. The elderly tend to bruise more easily following oral surgery. Some coloring to the cheeks after surgery can be normal and will resolve over a few days.

Surgery of the lower jaw occasionally approximates the sensory nerve to the lip and chin. Movement of the lip remains normal. Prolonged numbness may be due to "bruising" the nerve. Feeling usually slowly returns over a few weeks to months. Please call our office for evaluation should numbness persist beyond 24 hours.

Post-operative edema increases for 24-48 hours, then begins to resolve. Continue ice packs through this period. Swelling of the cheeks is less worrisome than swelling under the jaw on the upper neck. Please call if your edema continues to increase, or if other problems become apparent such as difficulty swallowing, fever, etc.

Alveolar Osteitis (dry socket) occurs in a small percentage of patients due to early breakdown of the blood clot. This results in pain and slow healing. Dry socket is treated by placement of a sedative dressing.