Recovery Overview
Everyone heals at their own pace. Most patients feel significant improvement within 1-2 weeks. No routine follow‑up is needed unless you have concerns.
Pain
Severe pain often peaks Day 3-4, then subsides over the next 4-5 days. Occasionally, pain may linger longer.
Swelling
Swelling typically increases for the first 2 days, then improves over 2-3 days.
Apply ice packs on Day 1: 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off while awake.
Bruising
Bruising around the jaw is common and may last 1-2 weeks.
Bleeding
Expect light oozing for 1-2 days.
If bleeding is heavier:
- Bite on gauze for 30 minutes.
- Remove the gauze before sleeping.
If bleeding continues, reapply gauze or use a damp tea bag (tannins assist clotting).
Contact your surgeon if bleeding persists.
Jaw Mobility
Jaw opening may feel limited due to swelling and sutures inside the cheek.
Eat and brush gently.
Sutures dissolve within about 7 days, restoring mobility.
Infection Prevention
To reduce infection risk:
- Gently brush from Day 1.
- Rinse with Savacol or salt water twice daily starting Day 2.
- Take prescribed antibiotics.
- Do not smoke.
- If food gets trapped, rinse gently after eating.
Signs of infection-contact your surgeon if you experience:
- Fever over 38 °C
- Pus, foul taste or odour
- Increasing pain after 4–5 days
- Flu‑like symptoms
Diet
Stick to a soft diet (e.g., mashed potatoes, boiled vegetables, noodles) for 1 week.
Avoid hot foods for the first 24 hours.
Do not use straws. Drink from a cup to protect healing.
Sensitive Teeth
Adjacent teeth may feel sensitive due to bone bruising; symptoms may last up to 6 weeks.
Use desensitizing toothpaste as needed.
Nausea
Codeine often causes nausea around Day 2–3.
If nauseous, pause codeine for 12–24 hours and switch to a Panadol/Nurofen combo.
Pain‑Medication Schedule
| Time | Medication |
|---|---|
| 6 AM | Panadol (2x500mg) |
| 9 AM | Ibuprofen (2x200mg) |
| 12 PM | Panadol (2x500mg) |
| 3 PM | Ibuprofen (2x200mg) |
| 6 PM | Panadol (2x500mg) |
| 9 PM | Ibuprofen (2x200mg) |
| 12 PM | Panadol (2x500mg) |
For children (<14 years or <40 kg): Use equivalent doses in syrup form.
Panadeine Forte (500 mg paracetamol + 30 mg codeine) may replace Panadol for stronger pain relief.
Medication Precautions
Avoid any medications you’re allergic to—contact Dr Kim or your GP first.
If you have liver or kidney issues, consult your provider.
Do not take Ibuprofen if you have:
- Aspirin/NSAID‑triggered asthma
- Gastric/duodenal ulcers or unexplained GI bleeding
- You’re on anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin, clopidogrel)