Oral Surgery – Post Op Instructions

Proper care after oral surgery can help your mouth health quickly and reduce discomfort or infection of the teeth and gums

Any numbness you’re experiencing from the anesthetic will last approximately two hours. Until the anesthetic wears off, be careful not to drink hot liquids or bite your lip, cheek or tongue.

After oral surgery, it is normal to experience discomfort when biting for 1 – 2 weeks.

Remember to:

1. Manage your pain using over-the-counter pain medication as directed by your dentist.
2. If you are prescribed antibiotics, complete the entire course, even if you begin to feel better before you’ve finished the course.
3. If you notice excessive bleeding, press a moist gauze to the area for 20-30 minutes, repeating as necessary.
4. Reduce any swelling by holding an ice pack to your jaw (two minutes on, two minutes off) for 6-8 hours.
5. Eat soft, easy to chew foods such as eggs, milk, applesauce, cream soups and pureed vegetables.
6. Twenty-four hours after surgery, begin to rinse with warm salt water (or a prescribed rinse).
7. Up to a week post op, rinse immediately after meals and before bed.
8. Make time to relax, and always sleep with your head elevated.

Do not:

1. Aggravate the treated area with your toothbrush or tongue.
2. Chew in the treated area.
3. Eat or drink until the anesthesia has worn off
4. Drink with a straw, as suction may delay the healing process
5. Smoke for 24-48 hours after the procedure
6. Eat or drink anything extremely hot or cold
7. Drink alcohol for 1 week after procedure
8. Exert yourself or do anything that requires you to lower your head
9. Rinse or brush your teeth for 24 hours after your surgery

Have more questions regarding oral surgery and recovery? Speak to our team of Langley dentists at JVR Dental in Walnut Grove, or call our office at
(604) 371-3138 .