Oral Surgery Aftercare

After your oral surgery, you may be concerned as to how quickly your healing will progress. The dentists of Dentalcare Associates are fully versed in what might happen as a result of oral and maxillofacial surgery, and will advise you accordingly. 

Bleeding

Whether you have had a routine tooth extraction, wisdom teeth removal or placement of dental implants, immediately following surgery it is important for a blood clot to form. After your procedure, we will place gauze at the surgical site and ask you to firmly bite down on it for 30-60 minutes. If bleeding continues, you may bite down on fresh gauze for an additional 30 minutes. If bleeding continues, biting on a moistened tea bag may help, as the tannins in black or green tea can promote blood clotting. The surgery site may ooze blood for 24-48 hours.

After the blood clot forms, it is vital to ensure that it does not become dislodged or disturbed. Avoid using a straw, probing the area, vigorous rinsing, smoking, or drinking alcohol for 72 hours. Rest and take it easy -- vigorous exercise and bending may cause more bleeding and discomfort.  If excessive bleeding continues after 24-48 hours, call our office.

Pain and Swelling

Experiencing pain and swelling after oral surgery is common. You may take prescribed pain medicine simultaneously with 800 mg of ibuprofen every 6 hours. Make sure to heed medication warnings--If you have received general anesthesia or narcotic pain medicine, avoid consuming alcohol, operating machinery or making any important decisions for at least 24 hours.

Applying an ice pack to the area will help to reduce swelling. Bruising or skin discoloration is not uncommon, and small bone fragments may also work through the gums during the healing process. If pain and swelling become more severe or do not subside after a few days, contact us.

Eating and Drinking

Eating nutritious soft foods and drinking plenty of fluids will help you feel better faster and facilitate healing. You may return to eating your normal diet as soon as you feel more comfortable.

Oral Hygiene

After 24 hours, you may rinse with warm salt water. Mix 1/2 tsp. salt with 1 cup water and gently rinse your mouth 4-5 times a day, especially after eating. Carefully start brushing and flossing after 24 hours. Keeping your mouth clean will help you avoid infection and encourage healing.

Please contact us at 908-322-7800 to learn more about oral and maxillofacial surgery aftercare in Scotch Plains, NJ.