The First 24 Hours
The first day after oral surgery is an important part of the healing process. Follow the instructions provided by your dental team and give your body time to rest.
- Rest and avoid unnecessary physical activity.
- Keep the surgical area undisturbed.
- Follow all instructions provided by your dental team.
- Avoid smoking or tobacco products as directed.
- Do not touch the surgical area with your fingers or tongue.
Managing Bleeding
Mild bleeding or oozing can occur after oral surgery. Follow the instructions from your dental team for controlling bleeding.
- Bite gently on the gauze provided by your dental team.
- Replace gauze as directed.
- Keep your head elevated while resting.
- Avoid vigorous rinsing or forceful spitting.
- Contact our office if bleeding is heavy, persistent, or concerning.
Swelling & Bruising
Swelling can be a normal part of recovery following oral surgery. It may become more noticeable during the first few days.
- Use a cold pack as directed by your dental team.
- Apply cold therapy according to the instructions provided.
- Keep your head elevated while resting.
- Allow your body adequate time to recover.
- Contact our office if swelling is severe or continues to worsen unexpectedly.
Pain & Discomfort
Some soreness or discomfort may occur after oral surgery. Your dental team will provide instructions for managing your recovery.
- Take medications only as directed by your dental provider.
- Follow all prescription and medication instructions carefully.
- Do not take more medication than recommended.
- Contact our office if pain becomes severe or continues to worsen.
Eating & Drinking
Choose foods and beverages that are comfortable and help avoid unnecessary irritation of the surgical area.
Recommended:
- Choose soft foods that require minimal chewing.
- Drink fluids as directed by your dental team.
- Gradually return to your normal diet according to your provider's instructions.
Avoid:
- Hard, crunchy, or sharp foods that may irritate the surgical area.
- Very hot foods or beverages during the initial recovery period.
- Drinking through a straw if your dental team advises against it.
Oral Hygiene After Surgery
Keeping your mouth clean is important for recovery, but the surgical area should be treated gently.
- Follow the brushing and rinsing instructions provided by your dental team.
- Brush gently while avoiding direct irritation of the surgical area.
- Avoid vigorous rinsing during the initial recovery period.
- Use any prescribed or recommended rinse only as directed.
- Do not disturb the surgical area with your fingers or tongue.
Activity & Rest
Rest is an important part of recovery after oral surgery. Follow your dental team's recommendations for returning to normal activities.
- Rest after your procedure.
- Avoid strenuous exercise during the initial recovery period.
- Gradually return to normal activities as recommended.
- Stop an activity if it causes increased bleeding, pain, or discomfort.
Medications
Follow the medication instructions provided specifically for your procedure.
- Take medications only as directed by your dental provider.
- Follow all prescription instructions carefully.
- Do not exceed the recommended dose.
- Contact our office if you have questions about your prescribed medications.
After Sedation or Anesthesia
If sedation or anesthesia was used during your procedure, follow the specific post-sedation instructions provided by your dental team.
- Do not drive or operate machinery until you have been cleared according to your provider's instructions.
- Have a responsible adult available if your dental team requires one.
- Follow all post-sedation instructions provided to you.
- Avoid alcohol while recovering from sedation or anesthesia as instructed.
Rinsing Instructions
Follow your dental team's instructions for rinsing after oral surgery.
- Avoid vigorous rinsing immediately after surgery.
- Do not forcefully spit.
- Use any recommended rinse only as directed.
- Follow the timing instructions provided by your dental team.
Follow-Up Appointment
Follow-up visits allow your dental team to monitor healing and address any concerns during your recovery.
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments.
- Follow any additional care instructions provided by your dental team.
- Tell our office about any unexpected changes or concerns.
Warning Signs — Call Us Immediately
Contact Connect Family Dental if you experience symptoms that concern you or seem unusual during your recovery.
- Severe or worsening pain
- Persistent or heavy bleeding
- Significant or worsening swelling
- Fever or signs of infection
- Pus or unusual drainage from the surgical area
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Any symptom that causes serious concern
These instructions provide general information about oral surgery recovery and may not apply to every patient. Your individual instructions may vary depending on your procedure, medical history, and treatment plan. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your Connect Family Dental team.
