Upper jaw

Postoperative problems affecting the upper jaw (maxilla) include

Pain, discomfort and swelling as with all forms of surgery. However, the maxilla is an unusually complex symmetrical group of delicate bones in a unique association with teeth and air sinuses (air sinuses are a group of air-filled spaces, grouped around the nasal cavity).
Oro-antral communication. An abnormal connection between the mouth and the maxillary air sinus (space above maxilla and below eye socket) is a well-recognised problem after tooth removal from the maxilla. If the communication becomes lined with epithelial cells (type of cells that covers body surfaces) it is called a fistula.
Fracture of the tooth bearing part of the maxilla (alveolar bone) during tooth removal. This may or may not create an oro-antral communication.
Bleeding from multiple areas leaking into the air sinus. This creates a nosebleed. It is seen in people with broken noses and cheekbones and can also happen after surgery to repair these injuries.
Nerves to the inside of the mouth and the skin of the cheek and nose run in bony tunnels in the maxilla. Altered sensation in various parts of the mouth and face can result. The infraorbital nerve (sensory nerve, innervating the upper lip, parts of the nose and the lower eyelid) runs in the floor of the orbit which is also the roof of the maxillary air sinus.