Steps to Healing and Recovery After Oral Surgery

By Brian J. Gray, DDS, MAGD, FICOI

After surgery, it is important to follow all the instructions provided by your oral surgeon or dentist. Here are some guidelines to speed your recovery and healing.

The First Step: Proper Care for Bleeding

To limit bleeding, your dentist or oral surgeon may place a gauze pack on the extraction site. This should be left in place for 30 to 45 minutes after leaving the office. Bite down on the gauze, but don't "chew" on it. Bleeding might continue after the pack is removed. If it does, follow these instructions:

  • Form a thick pad from clean gauze; dampen it and place the pad directly on the extraction site.
  • Apply some pressure by firmly biting on it for about 30 minutes.
  • Replace the pad with a clean one if it becomes soaked with blood.
  • If heavy bleeding continues, call your dentist.
  • Avoid sucking on the extraction site.

Protect the Blood Clot

A blood clot should form in the extraction site; this needs to be protected for proper healing. Healing is a delicate process and requires the restriction of certain activities; otherwise the blood clot can be dislodged.

Things You Must Avoid:

  • Sucking or blowing motions
  • Smoking
  • Drinking through a straw for 24 hours
  • Rinsing your mouth vigorously
  • Mouthwash (until your dentist approves its use)
  • Cleaning teeth next to the extracted site for the rest of the day
  • Strenuous exercise for 24 hours
  • Hot liquids or alcoholic beverages

Reduce Swelling and Pain

Your oral surgeon or dentist may give you a plastic ice pack to apply to your face on the way home. A cold compress helps reduce swelling. Apply either a cold compress or cold, moist cloth periodically. Switch to moist heat (a warm wash cloth) 24 hours after the surgery. Check with your oral surgeon or dentist regarding how often and how long to use a compress.

Your oral surgeon or dentist may prescribe medication to prevent infection and control pain. Carefully follow the instructions. If you experience severe pain, swelling, bleeding, fever, nausea, or vomiting, contact your dentist.

Proper Oral Care

Your mouth should be gently rinsed (not vigorously) with warm salt water the day after your surgery. Add ½ teaspoon salt to one-cup warm water. Be sure to rinse after eating to keep food particles out of the extraction site.

Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brushing your tongue is also advised to eliminate bad breath and an unpleasant taste that often accompanies oral surgery. Floss at least once a day, too.

Follow your dentist or oral surgeon's instructions.

Contact your dentist or oral surgeon if:

  • Numbness doesn't subside within a few hours;
  • You experience nausea or vomiting; or
  • You have severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or fever.