The time it takes to recover from any oral surgery varies from patient to patient. Recovery time depends on factors like the overall dental health of the patient, the location and size of the tooth, and how well the patient follows aftercare instructions.
Regardless of the dental procedure, there are general post-operative guidelines for all to follow:
· Do not chew on hard, sticky, or chewy food for 24 hours.
· Do not chew on ice.
· Avoid aggressive chewing.
Each of these activities produces an increased risk of loosening or damaging a restoration. In addition to following these general guidelines, it’s important to carefully follow all guidelines provided by the doctor and the staff. And always practice good oral hygiene!
Below are specific topics for detailed instructions. If you are experiencing a serious or life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room.
Frequently Asked Questions About Post-Op Care
What are the post-operative instructions after tooth extraction?
It’s vital for a blood clot to form in order to begin the healing process. This is why you’re asked to bite a gauze pad for 45 minutes, then another 30 minutes on a clean gauze if bleeding persists. To ensure the best post-operative care, it’s important to keep your fingers and tongue away from the area, do not spit or rinse for 24 hours, and eat soft foods. We recommend using ice packs on the side of the surgical area for two days and to take Tylenol or ibuprofen every 3-4 hours for mild discomfort. To avoid further discomfort and issues, do not engage in exercise or strenuous activity for 5-7 days after surgery.
What are post-op instructions?
Post-operative instructions are given to patients after every surgical procedure to ensure minimal discomfort and healthy healing. Depending on the type of procedure, specific instructions vary. Mild pain and discomfort are common following any surgical procedure, many patients are given prescription medications, and others are advised to take Tylenol or ibuprofen moderately. To avoid complications, patients are asked not to smoke for at least two weeks, avoid alcohol, and stick to a soft food diet.
Why are post-op instructions so important in oral surgery?
To reduce discomfort, swelling, and restricted jaw function, it’s important to follow post-operative instructions. To reduce bleeding, do not use straws, rinse, spit, or brush your teeth for 24 hours after surgery. To lessen the chances of infection, keep fingers away from the surgical site and take medications that are prescribed. To minimize swelling, apply ice to the side of the face where the surgical site is for 20 minutes on and 20 off. Continue this for up to 48 hours.
How long should I rest after dental surgery?
We generally ask patients to rest two to three days after surgery. This allows for a blood clot to form. Although the soft tissue does not heal for three to four weeks following surgery. It’s vital to limit physical activity and to keep your head elevated for the first few days to prevent excessive bleeding. Emerson Dental provides uncompromising quality and technically excellent dentistry, applying innovative and aesthetic solutions in order to assist each patient in achieving and maintaining optimal dental health throughout their lifetime. They offer a wide range of dental services including general dentistry, pediatric dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and endodontic treatment. Contact Emerson Dental today!
