How Do You Know If You Have an Infection After Jaw Surgery?
Posted on 1/15/2024 by Clackamas Oral Surgery
With the current medical advances, dental infection control is at its best with the help of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS). However, at times, an infection can occur after jaw surgery, and as a patient, knowing what to look for is vital to ensure you seek follow-up care in a timely matter. Here is how to know you have an infection after your jaw surgery.
Excessive Bleeding
After jaw surgery, you will experience slight bleeding or swelling, but your OMS will manage it with gauze and medication, respectively. If you experience bleeding that lasts more than 24 hours post-surgery, it is a sign an infection could be developing. Contact your OMS immediately for help if this happens.
Pain that Does Not Subside Even with Medication
You are likely to feel numb after jaw surgery due to the effects of the anesthesia, but this should fade a few hours later. After the anesthesia has worn off, you should take the recommended pain medication. If the pain is persistent or worsening, lasting more than three days at the same level, and the pain medication does not seem to touch it, contact your OMS, as it could be a sign of infection. You can also consider home remedies like a cold compress to reduce the initial pain and swelling, but pain due to infection will require specialized care and management.
Fever and Swelling
If you experience a fever three days after jaw surgery or the area is still swollen, you could have a bacterial infection. Before treatment, our team will check for the presence of the bacteria and administer antibiotics.
Seek the Services of an OMS Immediately if You Notice Post-Surgery Infection
Post-surgery infection can happen to anyone with a compromised immune system or health complications, so you should not fret if you experience it. Instead, contact our team immediately and let us help prevent the spread of the infection.
About Us • Oral Surgeon Clackamas, OR • Clackamas Implant & Oral Surgery Center Clackamas Implant & Oral Surgery Center is the office of Brett M. Sullivan, DMD, a Board-Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon. Click to learn more about us! Clackamas Implant & Oral Surgery Center - Brett Sullivan, DMD, MD, 11211 SE Sunnyside Road, Clackamas, OR 97015 / (503) 652-8080 / clackamasoralsurgery.com / 10/7/2024 / Page Terms:about us,oral surgeon clackamas,clackamas oral surgeon
With the current medical advances, dental infection control is at its best with the help of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS). However, at times, an infection can occur after jaw surgery, and as a patient, knowing what to look for is vital to ensure you seek follow-up care in a timely matter. Here is how to know you have an infection after your jaw surgery.