Post-Surgical Care Instructions
What to do after dental surgery
After your oral surgery, proper care is essential for a smooth and comfortable recovery. Please read and follow these instructions carefully.
1. Bleeding Control
Immediate care
Some bleeding or oozing is normal after surgery. Bite firmly on the gauze pad placed over the surgical site for 30–45 minutes.
If bleeding continues, replace the gauze with a fresh one and bite down for another 30 minutes.
Avoid disturbance
For the first 24 hours, do not:
- Spit
- Rinse vigorously
- Use a straw
These actions can dislodge the blood clot and prolong bleeding.
Elevate your head
When resting or sleeping, keep your head elevated with pillows to help reduce bleeding.
Tea bags
If bleeding persists, place a damp (not hot) tea bag over the site and bite down for 30 minutes. Tea contains tannic acid, which can help constrict blood vessels and promote clot formation.
2. Pain Management
Medications
Take any prescribed pain medication exactly as directed.
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be used only as advised by your dentist or surgeon.
Avoid aspirin and blood thinners
Do not take aspirin, as it may increase bleeding.
Unless specifically prescribed or advised by your doctor, avoid medications or supplements that thin the blood.
3. Swelling Reduction
Cold therapy (first 24–48 hours)
Apply an ice pack to the outside of your face near the surgical area for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. This helps reduce swelling and discomfort.
Heat therapy (after 48 hours)
After the first 48 hours, you may apply warm, moist heat to the area to help relieve stiffness and promote healing.
4. Oral Hygiene
Gentle rinsing
After 24 hours, gently rinse with a warm saltwater solution
(1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup / 8 oz of warm water) several times daily, especially after meals.
Do not use commercial mouth rinses unless specifically instructed.
Brushing
Continue brushing your teeth carefully, avoiding the surgical site. Be gentle around any sutures.
5. Suture Care
- Do not touch or pull on sutures with your fingers or tongue.
- Resorbable sutures typically dissolve on their own within 1–2 weeks.
- Non-resorbable sutures will need to be removed at a follow-up appointment as scheduled.
6. Diet and Nutrition
Soft foods
Eat soft, cool, or lukewarm foods for the first few days. Avoid:
- Hot foods or drinks
- Spicy foods
- Crunchy or hard foods
Hydration
Drink plenty of fluids, but do not use straws. Sip directly from a glass.
7. Activity Restrictions
Rest
Limit physical activity for the first 24–48 hours. Avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting, as this may increase bleeding or swelling.
Avoid smoking and alcohol
Smoking and alcohol can delay healing and significantly increase the risk of complications.
8. Signs of Complications
Contact our office promptly if you experience any of the following:
- Excessive bleeding that does not improve with pressure
- Increasing swelling, redness, or pain after the first few days
- Fever or general unwellness
- Pus or unusual discharge from the surgical site
Dry socket
Severe pain, a foul taste, or bad breath starting 3–4 days after surgery may indicate a dry socket. Please contact us immediately if this occurs.
9. Follow-Up Care
Please attend all scheduled follow-up appointments so we can monitor healing and remove sutures if required.
If you have any questions or concerns, or if something does not feel right, do not hesitate to contact our office. Your comfort, safety, and recovery are our priority.
We wish you a smooth and speedy recovery.
No Ordinary Dentistry 