Post-Operative Oral Surgery Instructions
Please read these instructions carefully before you rest. Following them closely will reduce discomfort, prevent complications, and support proper healing.
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Following oral surgery, certain symptoms are a normal part of healing. The guidance below covers what to expect and how to care for the surgical site. If you have any concerns at any point, don't hesitate to contact us.
At a Glance
Quick reference — the first 24–72 hours
Recovery
Pain management
Some discomfort is expected, particularly within the first 12 to 24 hours following surgery. This is a normal part of healing and typically improves significantly after the first day or two.
- Take prescribed medications exactly as directed.
- Pain medication typically takes 30 to 45 minutes to become effective — take it before pain becomes severe rather than waiting.
- For mild discomfort, over-the-counter options such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) may be sufficient.
- Always take medication with food or liquid to avoid stomach upset.
Allergic reaction: If you develop a rash, hives, itching, or any other allergic reaction, stop all medications immediately and contact our office or go to the nearest emergency department.
Drowsiness warning: Prescription pain medications may cause drowsiness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions while taking them. Arrange for someone to drive you if needed.
Recovery
Bleeding control
Some bleeding, pink saliva, or clot formation is completely normal during the first 24 hours following oral surgery. The blood clot that forms over the surgical site is essential for healing — protecting it is one of the most important things you can do in the first few days.
- Bite firmly on the provided gauze pads for one full hour without interruption.
- Keep your head elevated when resting or sleeping — use an extra pillow if needed.
- Do not disturb the surgical site with your tongue, fingers, or any object.
- Avoid rinsing, spitting forcefully, or using straws for at least 72 hours after surgery.
- Avoid vigorous physical activity for the first 24 hours.
If bleeding persists: Place a folded piece of sterile gauze or a moistened tea bag over the surgical site and bite with firm, continuous pressure for one full hour. Sit upright and remain calm. If heavy bleeding continues beyond a few hours, contact our office at 905-538-8808.
Recovery
Swelling
Swelling is a normal and expected response to oral surgery. It may continue to increase for 2 to 3 days before it begins to subside, and typically peaks around days 3 to 4 after surgery. This is normal — don't be alarmed if swelling appears to worsen before it improves.
- First 24 hours: Apply ice packs to the outside of the face — 1 hour on, 1 hour off. Do not apply ice directly to the skin.
- After 24 hours: Switch to warm, moist compresses applied for 20 minutes each hour to help reduce residual swelling and improve comfort.
- Some bruising of the face and neck may also appear in the days following surgery — this is normal and will resolve gradually.
Recovery
Diet & nutrition
What you eat in the days following oral surgery makes a significant difference to your comfort and recovery speed.
What to eat
- Begin with soft, non-chewy foods — soup, yogurt, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, smoothies.
- Eat on the opposite side from the surgical site where possible.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
- Gradually reintroduce normal foods as comfort allows over the following days.
What to avoid
- Hot foods and beverages on the day of surgery — heat increases bleeding.
- Hard, crunchy, or chewy foods that could irritate the surgical site.
- Straws — the suction can dislodge the blood clot, causing dry socket.
- Alcohol while taking prescription medications.
- Spicy foods that may irritate the healing tissue.
If you are diabetic: Maintain your regular meal schedule and continue your medications as prescribed. Do not skip meals even if your appetite is reduced. Contact your physician if you're having difficulty managing blood sugar during recovery.
Recovery
Oral hygiene
Keeping your mouth clean during recovery is important — but must be done gently to avoid disturbing the healing site.
- Day of surgery: Do not rinse or brush near the surgical site.
- Day after surgery onwards: Gently rinse every 1 to 2 hours with warm salt water — half a teaspoon of salt in a large glass of warm water. Let the water gently fall out of your mouth rather than spitting forcefully.
- Brush your teeth carefully as normal, but avoid the surgical area for the first few days.
- Do not use commercial mouthwashes unless specifically instructed by Dr. Khan — they can irritate healing tissue.
Recovery
Physical activity & rest
- Rest for the remainder of the day following surgery — this is not optional.
- Avoid strenuous physical activity, heavy lifting, and exercise for several days.
- Physical exertion increases blood pressure and heart rate, which can cause bleeding and prolong healing.
- Gradually return to normal activities as comfort allows — listen to your body.
- If you had IV sedation, you must have a responsible adult with you for the remainder of the day.
Important
Smoking
Do not smoke. Smoking is one of the leading causes of dry socket — a painful condition where the blood clot over the extraction site becomes dislodged or dissolves prematurely, exposing the underlying bone. Smoking also significantly delays healing and increases the risk of infection. Avoid smoking for a minimum of 72 hours, and ideally for several days or longer after surgery.
Recovery
Nausea
Mild nausea after oral surgery or sedation is not uncommon. If it occurs:
- Sip small amounts of a carbonated beverage such as ginger ale every hour for 5 to 6 hours.
- Progress to clear broth or weak tea as tolerated.
- Avoid dairy products and fruit juices until nausea has fully passed.
- Do not take pain medication on an empty stomach — this can worsen nausea.
If nausea persists or is severe, contact our office.
If Applicable
IV site care (if IV sedation was used)
If intravenous sedation was administered during your procedure:
- Keep the IV site clean and dry.
- Avoid heavy or repetitive arm activity for 48 to 72 hours.
- A small bruise at the site is normal and will resolve.
- Contact us if you notice unusual pain, increasing swelling, or redness around the site.
Medications
Other medications
- Continue your regular medications unless Dr. Khan has specifically instructed otherwise.
- If antibiotics were prescribed, complete the full course even if you're feeling better — stopping early can allow infection to return.
Oral contraceptives: Antibiotics may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Use additional contraceptive protection for the duration of the antibiotic course and for one full cycle afterward.
If Applicable
Immediate dentures
If immediate dentures were placed at the time of your surgery:
- Do not remove the dentures yourself — they're providing pressure to the surgical site and protecting it during initial healing.
- They will be removed and adjusted by Dr. Khan at your scheduled follow-up appointment.
- Contact our office if you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, or any other urgent concern before your follow-up.
What's Normal
Common post-surgical symptoms
The following symptoms are normal and expected as part of the healing process. They typically resolve gradually over the days and weeks following surgery:
Special Instructions
Sinus involvement
The roots of the upper back teeth sit in close proximity to the maxillary sinus. In some cases, a temporary communication between the mouth and the sinus can occur during upper tooth extraction. If Dr. Khan has advised that this applies to you, please follow these additional instructions carefully:
- Take all prescribed medications exactly as directed.
- Bite on the gauze pack for at least two full hours.
- Do not blow your nose — this creates pressure that can disrupt healing of the sinus communication.
- If you need to sneeze, sneeze with your mouth open to avoid pressure buildup.
- Do not use straws or smoke for a minimum of 48 hours.
- Avoid swimming and strenuous exercise for one full week.
- Begin gentle salt-water rinses the day after surgery as instructed.
- Maintain careful oral hygiene, avoiding the surgical site.
- Minor nasal bleeding for several days is normal — contact us if it's significant or persistent.
- Contact our office immediately if you experience significant nasal discharge, worsening pain, or fever.
Important
When to call the office
Most recoveries proceed smoothly. However, please contact Aurora Borealis Dentistry promptly if you experience any of the following:
- Excessive or prolonged bleeding that doesn't respond to gauze pressure after one hour.
- Pain that is worsening rather than improving after the first two to three days — especially a throbbing, deep ache beginning around day 3 to 5 (a sign of dry socket).
- Signs of infection — increasing swelling after day 4, fever above 38.5°C, pus or discharge at the site, or a foul taste that doesn't resolve with rinsing.
- Allergic reaction to any prescribed medication.
- Numbness or altered sensation that hasn't begun to resolve after a few days.
- Any other concern that's worrying you — we'd rather hear from you and reassure you than have you manage alone.
For prescription refills: Please call during regular office hours where possible and have your pharmacy name and phone number ready. Refills cannot be processed after hours.
We're here for your recovery.
Our phone line is monitored 24 hours a day. If the office is closed, leave a voicemail with the best number to reach you and we'll return your call promptly.
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