Oral or dental surgery is often necessary to address various dental concerns, including tooth extractions, dental implant placement, and jaw alignment correction. At Artistic Family Dentistry of Silver Spring, our highly experienced team, led by our Silver Spring oral surgeon, provides comprehensive oral surgery services.
With advanced training, including a one-year oral surgery program and an Oral Surgery and Dental Public Health Certificate, our team can handle complex procedures such as extractions, dental implants, bone grafting, and sinus lifts. While the surgery itself is essential for improving your oral health, what you do post-surgery—your aftercare—plays an equally important role in ensuring a smooth recovery and long-term success.
This guide covers everything you need to know about post-oral surgery care.
Why Oral Surgery May Be Needed
Oral surgery is performed for several reasons. Some of the most common procedures include:
- Tooth Extractions: Removal of damaged or impacted teeth (often wisdom teeth) to preserve oral health.
- Dental Implants: Surgical placement of titanium posts into the jawbone, creating stable foundations for artificial teeth.
- Bone Grafting and Extraction: Grafting helps restore lost bone, which is often necessary for dental implants, while extraction removes teeth that cannot be repaired.
- Full Arch Conversion: A transformative procedure to replace a full row of teeth, restoring aesthetics and function.
- Frenectomy: A precise procedure that addresses tight tissue attachments (the frenum) in the mouth, improving oral function and comfort.
Each procedure requires careful aftercare to ensure proper healing and the best possible outcome.
The First 24 Hours After Surgery
The initial 24 hours following dental surgery are critical for recovery. Here’s what you need to do:
- Rest: Take it easy and avoid any physical activity. Keep your head elevated to reduce swelling.
- Control Bleeding: Gently bite down on the gauze provided for 30-60 minutes to control bleeding. If bleeding continues, you can switch to a moistened tea bag to help promote clotting.
- Avoid Disruption: Do not spit, rinse vigorously, or use a straw, as these actions can dislodge the blood clot that forms at the surgery site, leading to a painful condition called dry socket.
This initial period is essential for stabilizing the surgical site and beginning the healing process.
Pain and Swelling Management
Pain and swelling are natural responses to oral surgery, but they can be managed effectively:
- Pain Relief: Follow your surgeon’s recommendations for pain management. You may be prescribed medication or use over-the-counter options like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Cold Compress: To minimize swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of your face near the surgical area for 15-minute intervals during the first 24-48 hours.
- Warm Compress: After 48 hours, switch to warm compresses to encourage blood flow and reduce any lingering swelling or bruising.
By addressing pain and swelling early, you’ll feel more comfortable and give your body the best chance to heal.
Diet and Hydration After Oral Surgery
What you eat and drink plays an essential role in your recovery. Immediately following surgery, you’ll need to be mindful of what you consume:
- Soft Foods: Stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies, scrambled eggs, and cooled soup. These foods won’t irritate the surgical area and will help you stay nourished.
- Avoid Irritants: Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods that could disturb the surgical site or cause discomfort. Avoid hot drinks like coffee or tea until the healing progresses.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid using straws. The suction from a straw can dislodge the blood clot, leading to complications like dry sockets.
As you heal, you can gradually reintroduce more solid foods into your diet.
Oral Hygiene and Aftercare
Maintaining proper oral hygiene is essential, even after surgery, but it must be done carefully to avoid disturbing the healing process:
- Brushing: Avoid brushing the surgical area for the first 24 hours. After that, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and carefully brush around the site.
- Rinsing: Starting 24 hours after surgery, gently rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) several times a day. This will help keep the area clean and promote healing.
- Avoid Flossing: Refrain from flossing near the surgery site until your surgeon gives the go-ahead.
Good hygiene reduces the risk of infection while allowing the surgical site to heal without interference.
Recognizing Signs of Infection
While most recoveries go smoothly, it’s important to monitor for signs of infection:
- Increased Pain: Some pain is normal, but if it worsens after a few days, it could be a sign of infection.
- Swelling: Swelling typically peaks after 48 hours and should subside after that. If it increases beyond that point, it could indicate a problem.
- Fever or Discharge: A fever of 100.4°F or higher, or any pus or foul-smelling discharge, are red flags that require immediate attention.
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact our office right away. Early intervention can prevent complications from worsening.
Stitches, Bruising, and Jaw Mobility
Depending on your procedure, you may have stitches to help close the surgical site. Most stitches used in oral surgery are dissolvable and will disappear within 7-10 days. If non-dissolvable stitches are used, your surgeon will schedule a follow-up appointment to remove them.
Bruising around the surgical area is expected, especially after more complex procedures like bone grafting or jaw surgery. This bruising should fade within a week, though warm compresses can help speed up the process.
Jaw stiffness can occur after more invasive procedures. To gradually restore mobility, you can perform gentle jaw exercises starting two or three days after surgery. Slowly open and close your mouth a few times daily, increasing the range as it becomes comfortable.
Specific Aftercare for Smokers
If you smoke, you’ll need to take extra precautions during your recovery. Smoking significantly delays healing and increases the risk of complications like dry sockets and infection. Ideally, you should avoid smoking entirely for at least 48 hours after surgery. If quitting isn’t possible, consider using nicotine patches as a safer alternative during recovery.
When to Resume Normal Activities
Rest is critical during the first few days following surgery. Avoid strenuous activities like exercise or heavy lifting for at least three to five days. Most patients can return to light activities, including work or school, within a few days, but this depends on the extent of the surgery. If your job involves physical labor, talk to your surgeon about when it’s safe to resume.
By easing back into your routine, you’ll avoid straining your body and give the surgical site time to heal properly.
Ensuring a Healthy Recovery: Follow Your Oral Surgery Aftercare Plan
Proper aftercare is essential for a successful and healthy recovery from dental surgery. By following the outlined steps and the specific instructions provided by our Silver Spring oral surgeon, you can minimize discomfort, avoid complications, and promote effective healing. Rest, adhere to dietary recommendations, maintain careful oral hygiene, and stay alert for any signs of infection.
If you have any questions or concerns during your recovery or need further guidance, contact Artistic Family Dentistry of Silver Spring to speak with our team. We’re here to ensure your recovery is smooth and successful. Call us today at (240) 641-5828 to stay on track toward a healthy recovery.
