Infection After Maxillofacial Surgery

Posted on 5/1/2024 by Beaverton Oral Surgeons

Woman in dental chair speaking with dentist Beaverton Oral Surgeons in Hillsboro, OR

You can experience some bleeding, numbness, and swelling after oral surgery. These occurrences are normal, but there are specific symptoms that are clear indicators that there could be an infection.

Bleeding Present for 24 Hours or More

Given that bleeding is a natural part of the healing process, it should stop after a few hours. After these few hours, the fluid you see should be more like regular saliva. If you can still see large amounts of blood after surgery, it could be an indication of a complication. If you experience bleeding three days after surgery, it could mean a wound has reopened or stitches have come out prematurely.

Throbbing Pain That Does Not Respond to Pain Medication

You may not feel any pain immediately after surgery, mainly because of the anesthesia used to make you comfortable. The numbness should last for about 3-4 hours before natural sensations return. You might experience intense pain after the second or third day, which gradually gets better after a week. Simple painkillers like ibuprofen and paracetamol should control the pain. However, a sudden increase in pain that painkillers cannot relieve may indicate infection, and you should contact your dentist immediately.

Persistent Fever

Another telltale sign of infection after a maxillofacial surgery is the onset of fever. You should contact your surgeon immediately if you develop a fever that persists for more than a day and tends to increase after a few days.

Increased Swelling

Swelling is a common reaction after any surgical operation. It is usually considered a sign of healing. However, any swelling that gets worse over the next few days after a maxillofacial surgery should be an issue of concern. An increase in swelling of the gums, face, and jaw is a sign that you have an infection. Swelling increases as the infection progresses, so immediate attention from your surgeon is recommended.

Oozing Discharge

If you also notice that you are oozing any discharge, especially pus, you must see your surgeon immediately. The discharge of pus after a maxillofacial surgery is usually indicative of an infection.

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Beaverton Oral Surgeons, 3925 SW 153rd Dr. Suite # 100, Beaverton, OR 97006 - (503) 646-7101 - beavertonoralsurgeons.com - 12/9/2024 - Key Phrases: Oral Surgery Beaverton -