Oral Surgery: Aftercare Advice

The period following an oral surgery procedure is an important one. It is time to relax and take care of yourself to support a successful healing process. The oral surgeon will send you home with aftercare instructions for your procedure. However, the following advice applies to most oral surgeries and will help ease recovery.

Take time to relax

You should not drive right after an oral surgery procedure. It is important to rest for the next 24 hours and not participate in any strenuous activity. Plan on taking the day off work or school, as discomfort or swelling can be most prominent during this time.

Patients should sleep with their heads slightly elevated with a pillow. It is a good idea to get everything ready ahead of time, such as arranging a ride home, stocking up on soft food, and gathering any items the patients need to keep occupied while they relax. Most patients are ready to return to their regular activities around day three, but recovery time may be longer for more extensive oral surgery.

Follow instructions

Make sure to understand all the surgeon's aftercare instructions and ask any questions before leaving. It is important to follow these directions carefully, as they will help keep the patient safe and healthy during recovery from oral surgery. Patients should be aware of possible complications/side effects to get help if necessary.

Be careful with oral hygiene

In addition to being careful with what one eats (soft and cool foods the first few days), patients must also be cautious with their oral hygiene and habits. They should avoid spitting or sipping through a straw. For the first day, brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and warm water—do not use toothpaste. Gently rinse the mouth with a saltwater solution containing a tablespoon of salt and a cup of warm water. Around day three, the patient may be able to start flossing and brushing with toothpaste again. The oral surgeon may give additional oral hygiene advice specific to the patient's circumstances.

Advice for managing discomfort

If there is any significant discomfort, it will likely be in the first 24 hours. Most people find the pain and swelling easy to manage with an ice pack and over-the-counter medication. Usually, the discomfort greatly decreases by the second day. However, if the patient needs prescription pain medication, they can talk to the oral surgeon about options. It is important to reiterate that a lot of discomfort can be eased by taking it easy that first day.

When to call your oral surgeon

Complications of oral surgery are rare, but they can happen. Oral surgeons are equipped to handle them. Patients should call their surgeon immediately if they experience any of the following:

• Pain increases despite medication
• Bleeding worsens
• Swelling lasts more than two days
• The mouth is still numb after the anesthetic wears off
• Trouble swallowing
• White or yellow pus oozes from the surgical site
• Flu-like symptoms

These can be signs of an allergic reaction, infection, or other complications. When in doubt, call the surgeon.