Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
At The Oral Maxillofacial Practice, we aim to provide clear, practical information to help you make informed decisions about your oral healthcare. If you can’t find what you need, you’re welcome to book an appointment to speak with our oral and maxillofacial team.
This FAQ content is for general information only and does not replace a clinical consultation.
- Anaesthesia is used to reduce discomfort during surgery. The type of anaesthesia depends on the procedure and individual clinical needs. Your clinician will explain what you may experience.
- Discomfort, minor bleeding, swelling, bruising or jaw stiffness can occur after surgery.
- The amount and duration vary with the procedure and individual factors. Use prescribed medicines and cold or warm packs only as directed by your clinical team.
- Contact the clinic if symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, or if you are concerned about your recovery.
- Do not stop aspirin, warfarin or another blood-thinning medicine on your own. Tell your surgeon which medicines you take. Your prescribing clinician and surgical team will advise whether any change is needed for the planned procedure.
- Menstruation does not usually prevent treatment. If you have fever, respiratory symptoms or feel unwell, contact the clinic before attending so the team can advise whether treatment should proceed or be rescheduled.
- Fasting reduces the risk of stomach contents entering the airway during sedation. Follow the fasting instructions provided for your procedure.
- Recovery time varies according to the medicines used and individual response. You will be monitored until the clinical team considers it appropriate for you to leave with your responsible adult.
- Time away from work or school depends on the procedure, your role and your recovery. Your clinician can discuss a reasonable planning range, but this may need to change according to how you recover.
- Recovery needs vary and cannot be determined from the procedure name alone. Discuss your work, study and caregiving commitments during assessment so your clinician can provide individual guidance.
- Dietary advice depends on the procedure. Patients are commonly advised to begin with foods that are comfortable to eat and to avoid disturbing the surgical site. Follow the written instructions provided by your clinical team.
- Not every procedure requires antibiotics. If they are clinically indicated, your clinician will explain how to take them and what side effects require attention.
- Oral hygiene remains important after treatment, but the surgical area may need modified care. Follow the brushing, rinsing and wound-care instructions provided for your procedure.
- Some oozing or blood staining can occur after oral surgery. Use gauze and follow the written instructions provided for your procedure.
- If bleeding is heavy, does not settle with the advised measures or causes concern, contact the clinic or seek urgent medical care as appropriate.
- Follow the written instructions for gauze and pressure provided after your procedure. Persistent bright-red or heavy bleeding should be discussed with the clinic.
- Seek urgent medical care if bleeding is severe, you feel faint or unwell, or you cannot contact the treating team.
- Swelling varies with the procedure and the individual. It may increase before it begins to settle. Use medicines and cold or warm packs only as directed.
- Contact the clinic if swelling is rapidly worsening, persists unexpectedly, or is associated with fever, breathing difficulty or swallowing difficulty.
- Nasal bleeding can occur after some procedures involving the upper jaw or sinus. Follow the specific sinus precautions provided and avoid blowing your nose unless your clinician advises otherwise.
- Contact the clinic if bleeding persists or is more than expected. Seek urgent care for heavy bleeding, breathing difficulty or significant concern.
- Feeling warm does not always indicate an infection. Check your temperature and contact the clinic if fever is persistent, symptoms are worsening, or you have increasing pain, swelling, discharge or feel generally unwell.
- Use prescribed medicines only as directed and seek urgent care if symptoms are severe.
- When you can resume exercise depends on the procedure and your recovery. Follow the activity restrictions given by your clinician.
- Procedures involving the sinus or facial bones may require a longer restriction from strenuous activity.
- Discuss planned travel with your clinician before treatment. Suitable timing depends on the procedure, recovery and access to follow-up care.
- Flying may need to be delayed after procedures involving the sinus or facial bones. Your clinician will advise based on your individual situation.
- Nearby teeth and tissues may feel sensitive after a procedure because of local inflammation or pressure. This should be reviewed if it is severe, worsening, associated with swelling, or does not improve as expected.
- A rash may be caused by a medicine or another condition. Stop and seek advice according to the medication instructions, and contact the clinic or a healthcare professional promptly.
- Call emergency services or attend an emergency department immediately for breathing difficulty or swelling of the tongue, throat, lips or face.
- Altered sensation can occur after some procedures and may also be affected by swelling or anaesthesia. Tell your clinician so that the area can be assessed and monitored.
- Seek urgent medical attention for sudden facial weakness or other neurological symptoms.
- When orthodontic appliances can be resumed depends on the procedure, wound and orthodontic plan. Confirm timing with your surgeon and orthodontist.
- Tell your dentist or surgeon if you are pregnant or may be pregnant. The timing and type of treatment will be considered according to urgency, individual circumstances and, where appropriate, advice from your maternity care team.
- Tell every prescribing clinician if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding. Do not start, stop or change a prescribed medicine without advice from an appropriate healthcare professional.
- Tell your clinician if you are pregnant or may be pregnant. Imaging will be recommended only when clinically appropriate, with the type and timing considered according to your individual situation.
- Tell your dentist or surgeon about your heart condition, previous heart procedures and current medicines. Antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended only for selected conditions and procedures under current guidance.
- If details are unclear, the dental team may coordinate with your cardiologist or physician before treatment.
- Dry socket, or alveolar osteitis, is a painful condition that can occur after a tooth extraction when the healing socket is disrupted. Pain may become more noticeable after the initial procedure.
- Contact the clinic for assessment if pain is severe, worsening or not responding as expected. Treatment depends on the examination.