injury to underside of beak

Question
It is an African Grey. He is just over 3 years old and absolutely loves his plastic links! I think he got a bit overzealous yesterday while chewing. Our biggest problem is that there aren't any vets close to us that take care of exotics(and know what they are doing anyways). The soonest we will be able to get it to a vet will probably be Tues. so do you recommend putting anything on it? I was thinking Neosprorin but was worried he would be able to ingest it through that opening... or is it actually an opening? Thank you for your help!
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My bird somehow got a plastic link stuck in his mouth yesterday - it was coming out through the hole on the underside of his beak.  My husband had to saw the link in two, as I held my bird, in order to get the piece out.  The bird is eating and drinking, but I noticed there is a little sack under his beak that is inflating like a bubble.  Do I need to worry about this inflating sack or is it just a result of swelling?  I have not noticed any bleeding and he is acting in a normal manner.
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This isn't at all 'rare', I think every avian vet has seen something like this at least a couple times in their practice.  
 You've got to constantly remind yourself that birds are among the BEST in nature at hiding their injuries and problems until they're quite serious. They may eat and drink right up to hours before they succumb to whatever is wrong.  
With this in mind - it's very worth having your bird checked out.  If the link broke through the skin a stitch may be necessary to seal it back up and at the very least, a course of antibiotics to avoid any possible complications.

BTW - what kind of bird do you have ?

www.geocities.com/animalrelief_info  (see ours)


Answer
Oh, Greys are incredible at things like this!

Don't put anything on it, but frequent plain, warm water rinses should be ok (plain saline solution is ok too, or just no-additive bottled water).
 
It's really important to establish a vet. I've found a couple vets that aren't specifically 'avian vets' but are incredible with exotic birds. I've found avian vets that I wouldn't entrust a beanie baby to!

It's truly vital to have someone you can call and trust. When it comes to these guys - trying to get care at the last minute when it's an emergency - isn't the best place to be (been there, done that too).

Check back with me - let me know what's going on with him tomorrow ok?  Keep an eye on the area - I'm not thinking it was actually broken through (no blood, no inflammation) - so he may be fine.