Oral Surgery Aftercare

Wisdom Teeth

Follow the surgeon’s written discharge instructions after wisdom-tooth removal. Apply firm gauze pressure as directed and call promptly if bleeding is heavy or does not settle. Protect the clot by avoiding straws, vigorous rinsing, and spitting during the initial healing period. Rest and resume activity according to your recovery and the surgeon’s advice; returning to normal activity the next day is not appropriate for everyone. Take medicines only as directed and avoid smoking during healing.

Dental Implant

After implant surgery, take it easy and follow your surgeon’s instructions about activity, diet, cold packs, and cleaning. Healing and discomfort vary. Sinus precautions, such as avoiding nose blowing, apply when specifically advised for your procedure. Contact the office promptly for fever, worsening pain or swelling, heavy bleeding, or other concerning symptoms rather than assuming they are normal. Avoid chewing directly on the surgical site until instructed otherwise.

Impacted Teeth

A tooth becomes impacted when there is not enough room to accommodate the space in the dental arch and eruption becomes impossible.  After surgery to remove an impacted tooth, mild discomfort and some swelling is expected. This is part of the process and should not alarm you. You may use cold compresses to alleviate the swelling. In addition, your doctor will prescribe pain medication, which should be taken as directed. Patients are also advised to modify their diet for a few days to allow for healing.

Multiple Tooth Extractions

The complexity of an extraction depends on the tooth and surrounding tissues, not just the number of teeth removed. Bone reshaping may be needed in selected cases but is not required for every multiple extraction. Swelling and soreness can occur; follow your individual aftercare and follow-up plan. Seek prompt advice for worsening symptoms, fever, heavy bleeding, or difficulty swallowing or breathing.