Arthrocentesis
Arthrocentesis is a washout of the jaw space. Two needles are inserted into the joint space. One will flush the joint with a sterile solution. The other will allow the water/debris to flow back out. This is usually carried out under general anaesthetic. This could be the result of a deterioration of your jaw space, causing your symptoms.
Wound
You may notice some swelling and bruising around the affected area. A small dressing may be applied and can be removed after 24 hours.
Pain
You may experience pain in and around the jaw joint for a few of days after your procedure. This should ease with pain relief. Please follow the instructions on the back of the packet and do not exceed the recommended daily dose.
Do not expect the symptoms to settle immediately following your procedure. You may find it difficult to open your jaw fully for a while. It should settle within a few days.
There is a small risk of temporary injury to the facial nerve or the nearby ear canal. In most cases, any changes in the nerve function improve on their own over time.
General advice
- You can eat and drink straight away, but it is advised to have a soft diet for the next five days. After this you can gradually return to a normal diet. Please chew evenly on both sides with your back teeth.
- Mouth opening exercises are encouraged to improve mouth opening after a week if this is limited.
- Try to support your jaw when yawning.
- Rest well for the first few days because the procedure and anaesthetic can often leave you feeling tired.
- You should not drive for the first 24 hours after a general anaesthetic. This is a requirement of the Road Traffic Act.
- Your own circumstances will determine when you return to work. You can self-certificate for one week; contact your GP for a certificate if further time off is required.
Contact information
We hope that you have found this information useful. If you have any questions or are worried about anything, please speak to the following Dorset County Hospital staff:
GP
NHS Urgent Care 111
Dorchester Day Surgery Unit 01305 254501 (day of procedure only)
Weymouth Day Surgery Unit 01305 762664 (day of procedure only)
Maxillofacial Outpatients 01305 254299
Useful websites
About this leaflet
Author: Kayleigh Fairchild, Deputy Sister
Written: November 2025
Approved: November 2025
Review date: November 2028
Edition: v3
If you have feedback regarding the accuracy of the information contained in this leaflet, or if you would like a list of references used to develop this leaflet, please email patientinformation.leaflets@dchft.nhs.uk
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