Dental surgery is a type of procedure performed on the mouth, gums, teeth, or jaw. Oral surgery requires a recovery period to prevent complications. It’s crucial to follow your oral surgeon’s postoperative instructions as best as you can. 

Keep on reading to learn about oral surgery aftercare. 

The Healing Process

Oral surgeons typically outline postoperative instructions using a day-by-day approach.

They will likely advise you to rest, avoid physical activity, and stay home from school or work. You might also not be able to drive, especially if you underwent anesthesia. Furthermore, you may experience slight bleeding for the next few days. 

Don’t worry; you will be able to resume your daily activities in no time. Below is a list of dos and don’ts after oral surgery. 

Do

Practice the following after surgery:

• Follow your oral surgeon’s advice because they know how to help your recovery go smoothly. 

• Rest the week after your surgery. When you lie down, prop your head up with pillows to promote blood flow to your brain and reduce swelling of your face and mouth.

• Ice your face periodically for the next week. We recommend you alternate icing for 20 minutes on and 10 minutes off.

• Take your pain medication as prescribed, even if you’re not in pain. It’s easier to prevent pain than it is to treat it. Try your best not to skip a dose, even if it means waking up in the middle of the night to take your medication. 

• Once your mouth stops bleeding, you can eat soft foods. Only consume liquids and soft foods for the first few days after your surgery. Keep soups, yogurts, and mashed potatoes in your kitchen. 

• Keep your mouth clean. Although your oral surgeon may instruct you not to rinse your mouth the day after surgery, you can begin to do so after 48 hours. Use warm salt water while you recover. 

• Eat nutritious foods rich in vitamins A and C, as they promote healing and will help you recover quickly. 

Don’t

Avoid doing the following after surgery: 

• Don’t push yourself to the limit. Avoid strenuous activities, such as exercise. Now is the time to rest. 

• Don’t consume any hot foods or drinks so that you don’t burn your tongue. If you burn it, your recovery time will last longer. 

• Avoid eating hard, crunchy foods, such as popcorn and carrots, for the first two months. 

• When you resume brushing and flossing your teeth, make sure you don’t do it roughly.

• Avoid smoking for the next two months. 

• Avoid drinking alcohol for the first few days. Don’t mix it with your antibiotics. 

Contact Your Oral Surgeon If You Experience the Following

• Throbbing pain that won’t go down with medication
  
• Persistent bleeding, even after you’ve applied pressure
  
• A fever that lasts for days
  
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing

Oral & Facial Surgery of Utah Can Help

If you’re experiencing postoperative complications, you can reach out to Oral & Facial Surgery of Utah for help. Our board-certified oral surgeons can help ensure your recovery goes smoothly. Schedule your free consultation today.