Tips for Recovering From Oral Surgery

Oral surgery is necessary at times, and like all surgeries, it can also be daunting, especially if you’ve never had oral surgery before. Whether you're getting your wisdom teeth extracted, undergoing dental implant surgery, or having a damaged or severely decayed tooth removed, proper postoperative care is crucial for a smooth and speedy recovery. 

To help you through this healing process, Dr. Lovely Manlapaz Teodoro walks you through the tooth extraction process and what you can expect during your recovery here at The Dental Center of Hercules. 

In the meantime, here’s a list of general tips to aid in your recovery from oral surgery. 

Follow Dr. Teodoro’s instructions

Before undergoing your oral surgery, Dr. Teodoro explains the procedure, why you need it, and how to recover from it. Our team provides you with specific instructions for postoperative care.  These instructions are tailored to your unique situation 一 such as dental implant surgery, wisdom tooth removal, or a single extraction 一 so it's crucial to adhere to them strictly. 

Your post-op instructions may include guidelines on pain relief medication, antibiotic usage, dietary restrictions, oral hygiene practices, and when to schedule follow-up visits. Following these instructions will promote faster healing and reduce the risk of complications.

Take medications as prescribed

Pain and discomfort are common after oral surgery, but medication can help ease discomfort. Additionally, antibiotics can help prevent infection. Take the medications exactly as prescribed, and make sure to complete the full course of antibiotics. Taking the full course as prescribed can help prevent antibiotic-resistant infections.

Manage swelling and discomfort

Swelling is a normal response after oral surgery, but these tips can help minimize swelling and alleviate discomfort:

• Apply an ice pack or a cold compress to the affected area for 20 minutes at a time (keep a tea towel between the ice pack and your skin)
• Keep your head elevated while sleeping for the first few days after surgery
• Use facial cold compresses (designed for plastic surgery) to help alleviate swelling after wisdom teeth extraction

Keep in mind that swelling subsides after a few days and should improve each subsequent day.

Follow a soft diet

In the initial days following oral surgery, stick to a soft diet that doesn't require excessive chewing. Opt for foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies, soups, scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, cold soups, and well-cooked pasta. Avoid hot, spicy, or acidic foods, as they may irritate the surgical site. Gradually reintroduce solid foods as advised by our team.

Sticking with a soft food diet can help prevent a serious complication called dry socket 一 a painful condition when the protective blood clot dislodged from an extraction site.

Maintain excellent oral hygiene

Despite the tenderness and sensitivity around the surgical area, it's essential to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent infections. Gently brush your teeth using a soft-bristle toothbrush, being cautious around the surgical site. Don’t brush the surgical site directly until advised to do so. You may have sutures or a blood clot, and you don’t want to aggravate those.

Avoid using mouthwash during the first 24 hours after surgery. 

Rest and relax

Recovery from oral surgery requires ample rest. Avoid strenuous activities, especially in the first few days following the procedure. Believe it or not, lack of sleep can exacerbate pain, so give your body the time it needs to heal by getting sufficient sleep and avoiding excessive physical exertion. Take this opportunity to catch up on your favorite books, movies, or hobbies that don't strain your mouth.

Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water and fluids to stay hydrated and aid in the recovery process. Avoid using straws, as the sucking motion can dislodge blood clots and hinder your healing. 

Avoid smoking and alcohol

Smoking and consuming alcohol can significantly impede the healing process and increase the risk of complications. It's best to abstain from these activities until you have fully recovered from oral surgery. 

Smoking, in particular, can contribute to dry socket (in the case of extractions) and implant failure (in the case of dental implant surgery).  If you’re trying to quit, consider your upcoming oral surgery as an opportune time to quit.

Communicate with us!

By following these tips and staying in close communication with our team, you can promote a smooth and speedy recovery. If you experience severe or prolonged pain, excessive bleeding, persistent swelling, signs of infection (fever or increasing pain), or any other concerning symptoms, don't hesitate to reach out to us! 

Remember, everyone's healing process is unique, so be kind to yourself and allow sufficient time for your body to heal. Before you know it, you'll be back to enjoying a healthy and pain-free smile.

Questions? Give us a call at 510-254-3328 or use our online form to book your next appointment.