Oral Surgery Aftercare: What You Need To Know

What patients do during the recovery period after oral surgery is an important part of the procedure's success. Though each patient's aftercare instructions and timeframe may look different, there are some universal similarities. Most importantly, patients should know the recovery timeline, be aware of possible complications, and understand how to care for themselves during this time. If you are getting ready for oral surgery, these are some key things you should know.

Possible complications

The oral surgeon will give the patient detailed aftercare instructions. The patient must study and understand them and ask questions on anything unclear. Specifically, patients should familiarize themselves with any possible complications. Though these complications are typically rare, patients need to watch for potential signs so they can contact their oral surgeon right away. Possible complications include:

• Increased swelling or bleeding
• Increase in pain despite taking medication
• Numbness in the mouth after anesthetic wears off
• Problems swallowing
• White or yellow pus from the surgical site
• Flu-like symptoms

These may be a sign of infection or another issue. However, an oral surgeon is well prepared to help patients handle these situations.

Recovery timeline

The recovery timeline will vary by patient and procedure, but most patients can return to regular activities in two to three days. The first 24 hours require the most rest, and patients should take the day off from work or school and rest. Patients are advised to stick to soft food for the first few days of recovery and not to drink through a straw for the first week. Also, patients should avoid chewing and drinking hot items until the numbing agent wears off.

Around the two- to three-day mark, most of the swelling and discomfort have subsided, and stitches have dissolved or fallen out. However, this can take a full week for more complex surgeries, such as multiple extractions. Most patients fully recover by day 10 and return to eating and brushing normally. Smoking and alcohol should be avoided during the recovery process as they can delay healing. Patients who have been prescribed antibiotics should take the full course to help prevent infection.

Managing discomfort

The patient's aftercare instructions will contain advice on managing discomfort. Pain after oral surgery is usually well managed with over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, NSAIDs, or ibuprofen. However, patients should talk to their surgeon if they are still experiencing pain after a few days or if the pain is getting worse. An ice pack may relieve discomfort as well as reduce swelling.

Handling oral hygiene

A patient's oral hygiene routine must change for the healing process. Patients should gently brush with warm water (no toothpaste) for the first three days and rinse with a saltwater solution (1 tablespoon of salt and a cup of warm water). Patients must not swallow the water or aggressively spit it out. Instead, let the solution drain out of the mouth. It will be okay to gently brush with toothpaste and floss for most patients after day three. A patient's aftercare instructions may recommend additional measures depending on the procedure.