Post Surgery Home Care Instructions

You have had surgery on your tooth and some swelling, bruising, and discomfort should be expected. Rest assured that this is all normal and your healing begins now. We will make every effort to make your healing process a pleasant one and ensure that it is progressing normally. If, after surgery, there is any question about how you are healing, please contact our office.

Post surgery instructions

  • You will be provided with an ice pack and should place this on your cheek over the surgical area and alternate with 20 minutes on the cheek and 20 minutes off. Continue this for 4 to 6 hours. This helps keeps swelling to a minimum.
  • Before the anesthesia wears off, take the pain medicine prescribed according to the instructions on the container. If no pain medication was prescribed, it is recommended that you take a normal over-the-counter dose of any pain medication for mild to moderate pain that has worked well for you in the past.
  • Do not drink carbonated or alcoholic beverages. Avoid steaming hot liquids. 
  • Avoid brittle crunchy food like nuts, or crackers or foods with seeds like strawberries, poppy seeds, or sesame seeds. Try to chew with the side opposite of where the surgery was performed. 
  • Avoid smoking, dipping, or chewing tobacco as these will prolong healing and cause increased discomfort. We strongly advise you to stop these habits during your healing phase.
  • For the first 24 hours avoid raising your lip, do not suck through straws, and try to speak as little as possible. These activities might pull sutures and delay healing.
  • Do not brush your teeth in the area of the surgery for the first 24 hours. After the first day, you may brush the area gently.
  • You will be prescribed a medicated mouth rinse which you are to use for at least 1 week or more based on further instruction from us.
  • Some swelling and possible bruising can be expected. It will reach its maximum within 48-72 hours. If you feel that the swelling is excessive call our office.
  • We recommend that you drink plenty of fluids for the remainder of the day after your appointment.
  • Rinse with the prescribed medicated mouth rinse for 1 week after surgery until sutures are removed.
  • For the first day after surgery, limit activities to those mild in nature. Lifting, bending, or strenuous activity will cause increased swelling, bleeding, or other problems.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office at (248) 823-7830.