Recovery From Oral Surgery
Here is what you can expect during your recovery after surgery:
Bleeding
You may experience some oozing of blood the first day and night following surgery. Remember that one drop of blood mixed with your own saliva may lead you to believe that your bleeding is much worse than it actually is. You can protect your pillow with a towel as you rest. You may apply pressure to the area by biting on a piece of gauze or a dampened tea bag; this will help form a clot and bleeding should subside. Never lay down or go to sleep with gauze in your mouth. Do not disturb the blood clots once they are formed, so that the healing process will begin. Do not disturb stitches. It is okay if they fall out on their own. Please contact the office if the bleeding persists.
Pain
Pain medication is generally needed the first 2-3 days after the surgery, sometimes up to 1-2 weeks after the procedure. Generally, regular Tylenol and/or Motrin (Ibuprofen) may be used as directed and relieves the pain after surgery for most patients. However, if pain persists and the prescription is not effective in relief, please contact our office.
Swelling
It is common to experience temporary swelling of your cheeks post-operatively. This usually peaks within 3 days. Applying ice to the cheeks for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off in the first 24 hours, followed by warm heat after the first day should keep the swelling to minimum. Bruising of the face is not uncommon, which may fade in a few days or a few weeks. Also, the inability to open wide is to be expected, again warm heat should be applied and will help soothe this.
Diet
The first couple of days, you may be limited to a liquid or soft non-chew diet. For the first 24 hours, do not eat or drink anything hot in temperature, as this can increase the chance of bleeding. Avoid using a straw and do not spit forcefully as these activities may loosen and dislodge the blood clots.
Possible complications
– Dry socket: healing can be delayed if the blood clot covering the socket is dissolved or washed away. Remember to avoid certain activities that may increase your chance of dry socket such as: sucking through a straw, spitting forcefully, and smoking. This exposes the bone and leads to constant, deep throbbing pain several days after surgery. If you experience these symptoms, call our office immediately.
– Infection: although it is minimal, there is always a risk of infection with any surgery. This usually can be treated by draining the infection or taking antibiotics, or both. You may be given a prescription for antibiotics. Please take these medications until you are finished with the course. Keep in mind that antibiotics can make oral and administered contraceptive medications unreliable so it is important to use alternative methods of birth control if needed.
– Sinus precautions/ Sinus Problems (only applicable for surgery on upper jaw): because the upper teeth are close to the sinus cavity, on rare occasions, the removal of these teeth or placement of dental implants in that area can lead to an opening into the sinus cavity. If a small perforation exists, this will usually heal uneventfully. However, if problem persists, further treatment may be needed.
If you had surgery on your upper jaw (e.g. extraction of upper tooth/teeth or dental implant in your upper jaw), please practice sinus precautions:
1. DO NOT blow your nose.
2. DO NOT sneeze through your nose. If the urge to sneeze arises, sneeze with your mouth open.
3. DO NOT smoke or use a straw.
4. AVOID swimming and strenuous exercise for at least one week.
5. It is not uncommon to have a slight amount of bleeding from the nose for several days.
6. Please remember that occasionally a second procedure may be required if there is a persistent sinus communication.
– Numbness (paresthesia): impacted teeth or dental implants may be close to, or in contact with the nerves that supply sensation to the teeth, gums, cheeks, lips, and tongue. Sometimes these nerves can become injured when the tooth is removed or a dental implant placed, causing numbness and tingling. In most cases if this occurs, the nerve repairs and regenerates in time. In rare cases, numbness can be permanent.
Post-operative DOs and Don’ts
– DO rest the day of surgery and avoid any strenuous activities. Plan to take time off from work or school for a few days, because your routine may be disrupted.
– DO rinse with salt water 3-4 times a day until your follow up appointment, starting 1 day after the surgery.
– DO eat soft foods such as soups, blenderized meals, and Jell-O for the first couple of days after surgery.
– DO drink lots of fluids, but avoid using a straw as this may dislodge blood clots.
– DO apply ice packs intermittently for the first 24 hours after surgery to help reduce swelling.
– DO practice sinus precautions (described above) if had surgery on upper jaw.
– DON’T rinse your mouth or spit forcefully the day of surgery.
– DON’T smoke after surgery, as this may dislodge blood clots as well as reduce flood flow to the extraction site, hindering the healing process.
– DON’T pull on the stitches
– DON’T drink alcohol while you are taking prescribed medications or antibiotics.
– DON’T operate heavy machinery or make important decisions while taking prescribed narcotics, as these medications may make you drowsy and impair your judgment.
– DON’T brush your teeth on the area of surgery for the first day. After the first day, gentle brushing is recommended.
Tooth extraction and dental implant surgery is an extremely common procedure. Your doctor will do everything possible to make sure that your surgery proceeds as smoothly as possible. We will see you for a follow up appointment in our office. Please call the office at 714-528-8292 for any questions or concerns.
If you are having an emergency after regular office hours, please call the same office number (714-528-8292) and follow the prompts to be forwarded to the doctor.
If you are unable to reach the office after dental treatment, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
If any of the symptoms above seem excessive, call the office and follow the prompts to be directed to the emergency line; if no answer, leave a voicemail. Emergency line voicemail is checked regularly and you will be contacted within 24 hours, most likely much sooner. If unable to get in touch with provider and symptoms seem urgent/emergent, go to closest urgent care or hospital emergency room for evaluation.