Guidelines for Recovery After Oral Surgery (2024)

Guidelines for Recovery After Oral Surgery (1)

Oral surgery is a type of surgery performed on the mouth, teeth, gums, and jaw. While there are different types of oral surgeries, the most common one involves removing a tooth (tooth extraction), often because it is deeply decayed or impacted, or because of gum disease or overcrowding in the mouth. Sometimes, multiple teeth are removed, or a missing tooth is replaced (called a dental implant procedure).

For every oral surgery, there is a period of recovery. To optimize the healing process and to prevent complications, like infection, it's important to follow your surgeon's postoperative instructions carefully and precisely.

Gum Surgery: Everything You Need to Know

Treating Pain After Oral Surgery

The two main therapies used to alleviate pain after oral surgery are ice application and pain medication.

Ice

Your surgeon will give you specific instructions about icing, which can reduce both pain and swelling. For instance, they may recommend applying ice packs to your face (on the side where the surgery was performed) for 15-minute intervals (15 minutes on and 15 minutes off).

Pain Medication

Your oral surgeon will likely recommend either Tylenol (acetaminophen), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) like Advil (ibuprofen), or a combination of the two, to ease your post-operative pain.

For optimal pain relief and to avoid the use of opioids, an "around-the-clock" pain regimen is generally recommended, instead of treating pain only when it surfaces.

Since opioids carry a risk of dependence and other undesirable side effects like respiratory depression, sedation, and constipation, they are generally avoided as first-line pain medications for oral surgery. That said, for more severe cases, your surgeon may prescribe an opioid for breakthrough pain.

The Healing Process

Postoperative instructions for oral surgery are often outlined using a day-by-day approach.

Below is the typical healing process for a surgical tooth extraction.

First 24 Hours

During the first 24 hours after surgery, your surgeon will likely advise you to rest, not engage in any physical activity, and stay home from school or work.

You also will likely be told to not drive, especially if you underwent general anesthesia or were given a sedative.

Bleeding

With a tooth extraction, slight bleeding is normal for up to 24 hours after surgery.

To help ease the bleeding, your surgeon may recommend biting down with firm pressure on a piece of damp sterile gauze for 30 minutes to one hour.

If bleeding continues, your surgeon may instruct you to bite down on a moist tea bag, as the tannic acid in teas has been shown to reduce bleeding and assist with clotting.

To prevent choking, it's important to not fall asleep with gauze in your mouth.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal response to undergoing oral surgery. To minimize any swelling, you will probably be instructed to keep your head propped up with two to three pillows when resting and sleeping.

Icing also helps reduce swelling and inflammation.

Two to Three Days

By day two or three, you may be able to resume normal activities, which may include going back to work or school. That said, for more extensive procedures, like having multiple teeth removed, it may be one full week (or more) before you are able to do this.

The two-to-three day mark is also around the time that any stitches in your mouth will dissolve or fall out on their own. Less commonly, your stitches will need to be removed by your oral surgeon.

Seven to 10 Days

By post-operative day seven to 10, swelling is usually completely gone. If this is not the case or you have any concerns, be sure to reach out to your surgeon.

Besides swelling, stiffness in the muscles of the face should also ease up at this point. That said, you may see slight bruising, especially if the surgery involved your lower wisdom teeth.

Sometimes, an antibiotic is prescribed after oral surgery to help prevent infection. Since most antibiotic regimens last around seven to 10 days, you may be at or near the end of your course at this point.

Be sure to take your antibiotic as prescribed. If you are experiencing any side effects from the antibiotic, please contact your surgeon.

Two Weeks

Most oral surgeons will recommend a two-week follow-up appointment. During this appointment, your surgeon will evaluate your wound and look for any signs of complications, like an infection. Be sure to not skip this appointment, even if you are feeling fine.

Oral Hygiene

Usually, after oral surgery, your surgeon will advise you to brush gently with warm water (not toothpaste) and to rinse with a saline or saltwater solution. This will naturally help keep the surgical site clean and aid in the healing process. Instead of spitting out the warm salt water, allow it to simply fall out of your mouth.

In order to prepare your saline solution, place one tablespoon of salt in one cup of warm water. Do not swallow the saline solution. Repeat rinsing as necessary throughout the day.

By day three or four, your surgeon may give you the OK to start gently brushing with toothpaste and flossing. You should avoid vigorous rinsing or spitting, as this can increase bleeding.

Of note, about a week after you have undergone a tooth extraction, your surgeon may recommend irrigating the site of the tooth extraction a few times a day using a syringe filled with tap water. The pressure from the syringe can dislodge any food particles from the site.

Returning to Normal Activity

Generally speaking, a person may resume normal activities by postoperative day two to three, which may include going back to work or school and engaging in their typical exercise routine.

Foods to Eat

Besides staying hydrated, it's important to follow your surgeon's diet recommendations, which usually entail eating cold liquids and soft foods for the first day or two (sometimes longer, depending on your case) after oral surgery.

Examples of such cold liquids and soft foods include:

  • Yogurt
  • Milkshakes
  • Smoothies
  • Gelatin
  • Sherbert
  • Pudding
  • Applesauce

A couple of days after surgery, you may be allowed to incorporate warm, soft foods such as mashed potatoes, broths, and soups. Be sure to avoid chewy, crunchy foods (e.g., popcorn or carrots) for the first week, as these foods can get stuck in and irritate the tooth extraction site.

Your surgeon will most likely advise you to not use a straw for at least the first week after oral surgery. Suction may dislodge the blood clot that is keeping the wound closed in your mouth.

Finally, in order to optimize your postoperative healing, your surgeon may also recommend that you take a vitamin C supplement or consume foods that are rich in this vitamin.

Foods and Items to Avoid

During your surgery, a local anesthetic will likely be given into your mouth to numb it. The numbness usually only lasts a few hours but can be longer for certain procedures, like a wisdom tooth extraction.

While the numbness is wearing off, it's important to avoid hot foods and drinks that may inadvertently burn your mouth (because of the loss of sensation).

Since drinking alcohol and smoking have been found to impair wound healing in the mouth, your surgeon will want you to avoid these habits for up to a week or two after the surgery.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Even if you are attentive and careful with your postoperative instructions, issues can still arise. Be sure to contact your surgeon or seek medical attention right away if you encounter one or more of the following problems:

  • Bleeding that cannot be stopped with gauze
  • Signs of infection like a fever that lasts more than 24 hours after surgery and/or the presence of pus (thick whitish/yellow substance) in your mouth
  • Pain that is severe or persistent, despite taking medication
  • Swelling that is severe or persistent, especially if it affects swallowing or breathing
  • Signs of an allergic reaction (for example, a new rash)
  • Persistent numbness in your mouth and lips after the local anesthetic wears off

A Word From Verywell

The best thing you can do if you (or a loved one) have undergone oral surgery is to follow your post-operative instructions as closely as possible. This usually starts with taking a step back from life, resting, and focusing on your recovery.

Guidelines for Recovery After Oral Surgery (2024)

FAQs

Guidelines for Recovery After Oral Surgery? ›

Rest is important following oral surgery and it is recommended for at least two days following the procedure. It is not recommended to engage in physical activity for two to three days after your surgery. Most patients are able to resume normal activities within 48 hours after surgery.

How many days should you rest after oral surgery? ›

Rest is important following oral surgery and it is recommended for at least two days following the procedure. It is not recommended to engage in physical activity for two to three days after your surgery. Most patients are able to resume normal activities within 48 hours after surgery.

What are the don'ts after oral surgery? ›

Dental Don'ts after Oral Surgery

Don't do any heavy lifting or move your head forcefully for a few days following treatment. Do not rinse your mouth for 24 hours after treatment. Don't brush the surgical site for the first few days after treatment, but you can gently wipe it with soft gauze to keep it clean.

How long do you have to eat soft foods after oral surgery? ›

You're about to have oral surgery and you're wondering, what can I eat? For 3-5 days only soft foods after surgery to allow the surgical site to heal. Here are some suggested dishes so you and your caretaker are ready post surgery.

What is normal after oral surgery? ›

Your Recovery

You may have some pain, bleeding, or swelling afterward, depending on the procedure. You may get medicine for pain. The pain should improve steadily after the surgery. Dental surgery includes procedures such as tooth extractions, root canals, gum surgery, and dental implants.

Is walking OK after oral surgery? ›

Beginning a Few Days After Surgery

Make sure to keep things easy at first, and slowly ease back into your routine. We often recommend nothing more strenuous than a leisurely walk for at least 4 or 5 days. After that, you can slowly begin to increase the intensity of your exercise sessions.

Why is the third day after oral surgery the worst? ›

The swelling will not become apparent until the day following surgery and will not reach its maximum until two to three days post-operatively. The swelling will build over the first 48 to 72 hours and then plateau for 2-3 days making the 3rd-5th days the worst for pain and swelling.

Can you bend down after oral surgery? ›

All surgery patients should get adequate rest and avoid exercise or strenuous activities for 5-7 days after surgery. No bending over or lifting heavy objects.

Should I take off work after oral surgery? ›

It's usually recommended that you take a day or two off work after having a wisdom tooth removed. You won't need a sick note from your doctor or dentist for this.

Can I eat mac and cheese after tooth extraction? ›

Macaroni and cheese is perfect because you can swallow the tiny noodles whole or chew them with your front teeth. You can also overcook your pasta noodles to make sure they are soft and easy to chew.

When can I stop worrying about dry socket? ›

When Can I Stop Worrying About Dry Socket? Until the full recovery of your extraction site, a dry socket can form if you fail to follow the care tips. Usually, a week (7-8 days) after wisdom tooth extraction, you can stop worrying about a dry socket as gums take this much time to close fully.

What foods to avoid after oral surgery? ›

Steer Clear of These Foods After Oral Surgery
  • Pizza, bagels or chewy bread.
  • Chips and crackers.
  • Popcorn and pretzels.
  • Crunchy fruits and vegetables.
  • Dried fruit or fruit roll-ups.
  • Citrus fruits and juices.
  • Beef jerky, steak or fibrous meats.
  • Salsa, hot sauce, hot peppers and spicy curries.

When is the most pain after oral surgery? ›

Normal healing pain typically becomes noticeable after the oral anesthetic wears off. It tends to worsen over the next several hours. After peaking sometime within the first 24 hours, you'll notice it gradually improving. Most people feel mostly pain-free by the third or fourth day.

Why can't I eat dairy after tooth extraction? ›

Dairy contains proteins that can encourage the growth of bacteria and increase the risk of infection. This is because dairy provides an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive, which can lead to swelling and discomfort in the gums and surrounding area.

When does pain peak after oral surgery? ›

Pain. It is normal for post-operative pain to increase in the first 1-2 days along with swelling which usually peaks at about 48 hours. It is also normal in the case where four third molars have been removed for some sites to hurt more than others.

Can I sleep on my side after oral surgery? ›

After the surgery, the extraction area may ooze. It's mainly during the starting healing stages. Therefore, pick the right position while sleeping. Generally, the dentist recommends sleeping on the side rather than lying flat on the back.

What is the best position after oral surgery? ›

Following oral surgery, we recommend that you sleep with your head and shoulders propped up above your heart level. Add an extra pillow or two to your bed or to the place where you will be resting. If you have a recliner, this is also an excellent way to keep your head elevated.

Can I brush my teeth the day after oral surgery? ›

To be on the safe side, don't brush or rinse the mouth in the first 24 hours after the tooth extraction procedure. Thereafter, brush with care and don't allow the toothbrush to get close to the extraction site. Also, don't swish water, mouthwash or any oral care fluid in your mouth.

What is rule of 3 in oral surgery? ›

"RULE-3" recognises the instrument from the surgical stand that is required in the next step of the surgery, e.g. "Anaesthetise". Surgical training improves patient care, helps to reduce surgical risks, increases surgeon's confidence, and thus enhances overall patient safety.

Can I drink coffee 3 days after oral surgery? ›

In order for your mouth to heal properly, you should avoid your favorite cup of coffee at least for the first few days. As long as the extraction site heals day after day, you'll be able to carefully sip a caffeinated beverage about 5 days once your tooth has been removed.

Is it normal to sleep a lot after oral surgery? ›

The patient does not experience discomfort due to the use of sedation. The use of anesthesia during extraction can make you feel sleepy and tired after a few hours. Post-surgery, most individuals feel temporary tenderness, soreness, and numbness.

What is the rule of 6 in oral surgery? ›

To summarize the anatomical requirements for the successful placement of a dental implant, the dentoalveolar anatomy of the edentulous site should provide at least 6 mm of bone in three dimensions, and there should be 6 mm of space from the ridge crest to the opposing dentition.

How long should I sleep with my head elevated after oral surgery? ›

When it comes to sleeping position following dental surgery, it is a good idea to make sure to elevate the head. A good angle to achieve while sleeping is 45 degrees. You should sleep in the position for the first 36 to 48 hours following the surgery.

How long will my face be swollen after oral surgery? ›

Some swelling is normal after oral surgery. For most people, it increases for 2 or 3 days and then starts to go down after that. If your swelling and pain increase after 3 days, call the clinic for an appointment.

How soon can I return to work after oral surgery? ›

You will likely be able to return to work 3-5 days after your surgery, as long as you don't have a physically strenuous job. If your job requires physical labor, you may need to take a few more days off to recover. You should be able to return to normal activity a week after surgery.

Are bananas good after oral surgery? ›

Many oral surgery specialists recommend eating bananas after the surgery. The soft texture is easy to chew and doesn't irritate your gums. Bananas are loaded with minerals and vitamins, including folate, manganese, vitamin B6, and potassium, which are good for your oral health.

Can I eat eggs after oral surgery? ›

Eggs are an excellent food to eat after oral surgery. They have a high amount of quality protein that is rich in vitamins and minerals. While eggs cooked in numerous ways are generally soft, scrambled eggs are ideal because they are easier to chew and swallow.

What can I eat 72 hours after oral surgery? ›

48-72 Hours Following Surgery (Post-Op Days 2/3) Eat a soft diet. For health's sake choose nutritious foods: scrambled eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, oatmeal, mashed potatoes, mashed bananas, applesauce, juices, and soups. Consider juicing vegetables and grinding meats in a blender.

Can I eat burger and fries after tooth extraction? ›

Avoid tough or crunchy foods, including popcorn, hamburgers, chips, chicken breast, salads, and similar foods. You should also avoid acidic, spicy, or sugary foods. Do not drink alcohol or smoke during this time.

Can I eat a grilled cheese sandwich after tooth extraction? ›

Semi-Soft Foods

These may include scrambled eggs, pasta dishes (without chunks), grilled cheese sandwiches (without crusts), tuna salad sandwiches (without complex pieces of celery or onions), and soups with tiny chips of vegetables (strained if necessary).

Can I eat ramen noodles after tooth extraction? ›

Although not quite pasta, foods like Ramen noodles are also acceptable when taken alongside a broth – do be mindful that anything too hot can also cause problems at any wisdom tooth extractions' site, so tepid is the way to go until your recovery is further advanced.

What is the highest risk day for dry socket? ›

A dry socket occurs when the blood clot breaks down or is dislodged, exposing the bone and nerves. The first five or so days after extraction are the most critical, and it is during this time that the risk for a dry socket is the highest.

What happens on day 3 after tooth extraction? ›

3 Days Post Extraction

After about 3 days, the empty tooth socket will have mostly healed. There should be no more bleeding present, and swelling should be minimal at this point. You may still experience some tenderness or soreness, but you should no longer feel pain or discomfort.

How long do you have to wear gauze after tooth extraction? ›

Keep gauze on the surgical area with some pressure (biting) for 30–45 minutes. Remove the gauze after 30–45 minutes and replace it with a new piece of gauze if you are still bleeding. It is important to make sure the gauze is directly on the surgical site. Firm pressure for another hour should stop the bleeding.

Can I eat pancakes after tooth extraction? ›

You can even eat pancakes! They're light, fluffy, and easy on your extraction sites (Tip: you can make breads even easier to chew by letting them sit in your mouth for a few seconds and softening them with your saliva). Pasta is totally doable if you prepare it right.

Can I eat yogurt after tooth extraction? ›

Yogurt. Yogurt is a great snack to eat after your wisdom teeth are removed. For one thing, it's completely soft, so you won't have to chew at all. For another, it's a good source of protein and other nutrients that you'll need to help recover after surgery.

Can I eat salad after tooth extraction? ›

But it's also important to avoid solid food while your socket heals. This includes salads, chicken, crunchy granola, and chewy snacks. This probably means you'll need to change your eating habits during recovery, which can be stressful if you're not prepared.

What is the most painful tooth to extract? ›

What is the most difficult tooth to extract? Impacted wisdom teeth are wisdom teeth that have failed to erupt properly. They are generally considered to be the most difficult teeth to extract.

What helps gums heal faster after extraction? ›

It is best to stick to soft foods requiring minimal chewing, such as applesauce, yogurt and pudding. Vitamin C and vitamin A help to support the healing process following a tooth extraction. Therefore, it is a good idea to eat foods rich in these nutrients.

Why does oral surgery hurt so much? ›

The “rougher” the surgeon, the more tissue damage at the surgical site created by that surgeon. Tissue damage leads to inflammation (swelling). Inflammation and pain share many of the same chemical pathways in the body. Thus, the more inflammation, the more pain following the surgery.

Is ice cream good after a tooth extraction? ›

Ice Cream: After having a minor surgery, it's okay to treat yourself with a little sweet. The coolness will not only feel good, but it will also help sooth inflamed tissue. Try to avoid eating cones and flavors of ice cream with large chunks in them like chocolate chips and nuts.

Can I eat broccoli and cheese soup after tooth extraction? ›

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A great source of vitamins C and K, this broccoli cheddar soup takes under 30 minutes to make and will encourage optimal healing.

Can I eat 3 hours after tooth extraction? ›

Within the first 24 hours after tooth removal surgery, you should avoid consuming anything that involves chewing. Try to limit yourself to liquids exclusively. If they don't fill you up and you want to consume solid food, go for soft meals that don't need much chewing, like pudding or oatmeal.

Is it normal to have pain 6 days after oral surgery? ›

In most cases, the pain or discomfort should have subsided after 7 to 10 days. Even though people's pain threshold and healing are different, the pain and the discomfort should decrease each day. There should be little to no pain by the time you get to five days.

What can I do 48 hours after tooth extraction? ›

48 hours after surgery, rinse mouth with warm salt water every 1-2 hours. Avoid using any mouthwash containing alcohol as it can irritate the wound. Keep your mouth clean by brushing areas around the surgical site, but be sure to avoid sutures. Touching the wounded area in any fashion should be prevented.

Do I need bed rest after tooth extraction? ›

People should rest for at least the first 24 hours after the extraction. Avoiding strenuous activity is necessary. This may reduce bleeding and prevent losing the blood clot from the socket. Maintaining the blood clot is a very important aspect of aftercare.

How long should you bed rest after surgery? ›

With any major surgery, it's important to stay in bed as much as possible for at least 24–48 hours after the procedure. Some surgeries may require even more patient bed rest. Sleep if you feel tired and be sure to move slower than your usual pace.

Can you bend over after oral surgery? ›

All surgery patients should get adequate rest and avoid exercise or strenuous activities for 5-7 days after surgery. No bending over or lifting heavy objects.

What is the best sleep position after oral surgery? ›

Following oral surgery, we recommend that you sleep with your head and shoulders propped up above your heart level. Add an extra pillow or two to your bed or to the place where you will be resting. If you have a recliner, this is also an excellent way to keep your head elevated.

Should I keep gauze in my mouth overnight? ›

You should never sleep with gauze in your mouth because it's a potential choking hazard. It's also critical to take care not to fall asleep when you're lying down with gauze in your mouth, especially if you're taking medications that may cause drowsiness.

What must you not do up to 24 hrs after tooth extraction? ›

Don't drink with a straw, suck on candy or ice pops, slurp soups or other liquids, rinse your mouth vigorously, or smoke for 24 hours. These things create suction in the mouth. This may dislodge the blood clot. Don't drink alcohol or use mouthwash containing alcohol for 24 hours.

What not to do for 24 hours after tooth extraction? ›

Vigorous mouth rinsing or chewing in the areas of the tooth extraction should be avoided. This may cause increased bleeding or the blood clot to dislodge. A liquid or soft diet is recommended for the first 24 hours after tooth extraction. Avoid sucking through straws and eating hard or crunchy foods and spicy foods.

What are do's and don ts after tooth extraction? ›

DO's: Use gauze, rest and elevate your head, take prescribed medications, use ice packs, eat soft foods for the first 24-48 hours. DON'Ts: Avoid smoking, using straws, spitting, rinsing your mouth, blowing your nose or sneezing, probing the extraction site with your tongue.

Is it better to sit or lay down after surgery? ›

Stay in Bed

People are often worried or scared about it, "but one of the most important things after an operation is to get mobile," Whiteson says. Lying in bed can trigger a host of problems -- blood clots, pressure ulcers, pulmonary embolisms, and weakening of your muscles.

Should I sleep all day after surgery? ›

Is sleep after surgery important? The importance of rest after surgery is stressed by doctors because your body is going to do a lot of healing while sleeping. After all, your body does the majority of its healing while you're asleep. It's important that you're able to take a nap whenever you need to.

Does sleeping help you heal faster after surgery? ›

Following a surgery, illness or other medical event, many doctors prescribe a healthy dose of sleep along with antibiotics, pain medications and therapy. Medical professionals have seen that sleep plays a significant role in helping the body heal itself and return to normal function.

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