Surgical Instructions
Whether you’re undergoing a simple tooth extraction or a more involved procedure under IV sedation, it’s important to be well-prepared and fully informed about how to care for yourself before and after the procedure. The following guide offers support for a smooth, comfortable recovery experience.
Pre-Surgery Preparation Checklist:
- For Procedures under IV Sedation/General Anesthesia: Refrain from eating or drinking anything (including water) for at least 8 hours before your scheduled procedure. This is essential for safety. Morning medications can be taken after the procedure, unless you’re informed otherwise by your doctor during your consultation visit. A responsible adult should accompany you to the appointment, must remain in the office during your surgery, and escort you home once it is completed. For your safety, you will not be allowed to drive or travel alone after sedation. Please avoid any heavy manicures as they can interfere with sensors placed on the fingernails to monitor your oxygen.
- Rest & Recovery Time: Plan to rest for the remainder of the day following your procedure. Avoid any activities that require focus or exertion, such as working, exercising, driving, or using heavy machinery.
- Dress Comfortably: Wear short-sleeved, loose-fitting clothes that are comfortable and easy to manage. Avoid long sleeves and restrictive clothing, as they may interfere with monitoring equipment.
- Skip Makeup and Accessories: Please do not wear makeup, jewelry, or contact lenses on the day of surgery.
- Secure Essentials Ahead of Time: Prepare soft meals, stick to recommended oral care products, and make sure your home is set up for comfortable recovery.
Common Experiences After Surgery:
- Mild Bleeding: A small amount of bleeding or pink saliva is normal in the first 24 hours. Patients taking blood thinners can have some oozing for 24-28 hours following their procedure.
- Swelling: Slight puffiness, particularly around the jaw or cheeks, is a common and natural response to oral surgery. Swelling typically increases for the first 48-72 hours following a procedure, then starts to slowly subside.
- Jaw Stiffness: You may notice some difficulty opening your mouth wide or moving your jaw as freely as usual. This typically improves within a few days and is usually related to swelling.
- Skin Discoloration: Some patients develop mild bruising near the surgical area, which gradually fades. Patients that take blood thinners and the elderly are more prone to bruising.
- Temporary Numbness: You might feel slight numbness in your lips, tongue, or cheek following anesthesia. This feeling usually diminishes over 24 hours.
- Sore Throat: You may feel minor irritation when swallowing. This is generally short-lived and can be managed by staying hydrated.
- Jaw Joint Sensitivity: Holding your mouth open for an extended period may cause tenderness in your jaw joints (TMJ). A soft diet, limiting wide mouth opening, and rest help alleviate this.
- Lip Discomfort: Lip dryness or cracking may occur if your lips were stretched during surgery. Keep them hydrated using lip balm.
- Dissolving Stitches: If your surgeon used sutures, they are usually self-dissolving and will disappear on their own within 1 to 2 weeks unless you are told otherwise.
Oral Care After Your Procedure:
Caring for your mouth after surgery is essential to encourage a quick, comfortable recovery. Here’s how to support the healing process at home:
- Do Not Rinse on Day One: On the day of your procedure, refrain from rinsing your mouth for the remainder of the day as this can prolong bleeding.
- Avoid Contact with the Surgical Site: Keep your fingers and tongue away from the area to avoid disturbing healing.
- Cold Therapy: For the first 24 hours, apply a cold compress or ice pack to the outside of your face for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. This can help manage swelling and maintain comfort. Switch to damp heat massages after the first 24 hours.
- Medication Management: Take all medications as prescribed. Do not skip doses.
- Gauze Management: Use clean gauze to gently apply pressure to the surgical area if minor bleeding continues. Replace gauze every 20-30 minutes as needed.
- No Smoking or Alcohol: Refrain from smoking or drinking alcoholic beverages while your mouth is healing.
- Gentle Saltwater Rinse: After the first day, begin rinsing after meals with warm saltwater (½ teaspoon of salt in 8 oz of water), for one week. After dental extractions it is normal for food to collect in the area for several weeks; rinsing after meals will help maintain hygiene.
- Nourishment & Hydration: Stick to soft, cool foods such as smoothies (without a straw), mashed vegetables, eggs, and yogurt. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
If You Had Impacted Teeth Removed:
Surgical removal of impacted teeth is more complex than standard extractions. This section offers additional insights for a smoother healing journey:
- Customized Recovery Time: Recovery can take several days, especially for deeper or more embedded teeth. Be patient with the process.
- Follow all Care Instructions: Consistently follow your surgeon’s guidelines, including oral hygiene, activity restrictions, and medication use.
- Stick to Soft Foods: Avoid chewing near the surgical site. Start with smoothies, broth-based soups, and well-cooked vegetables. Gradually reintroduce firmer foods as your mouth feels better.
- Keep the Area Clean: Begin using saltwater rinses after meals the day following surgery; the areas where the teeth were removed [or “sockets”] tend to collect food debris for several weeks. Make sure to only use a soft bristle toothbrush, and be gentle around the areas where the teeth were removed.
Noticing Something Unusual?
While most patients experience a smooth recovery, it’s important to stay aware of your body. If anything seems out of the ordinary, contact our office at 212-813-0707. Timely communication supports your recovery and helps your care team provide additional guidance when needed.
Follow-Up Care:
A post-surgical checkup may be scheduled to evaluate your healing and ensure everything is progressing well. This visit gives you a chance to:
- Ask questions about your recovery.
- Discuss eating habits, oral hygiene, and next steps.
- Receive approval to return to regular activities.
- Until then, continue following your care plan, rest as needed, and maintain your overall health.
Final Thoughts on Recovery:
Healing after oral surgery may seem stressful but is routine by following our provided care recommendations. Following your care instructions, eating nutritious foods, and resting can help ensure a smooth process. Our team is here to support you along the way.
GENERAL POST-OP INSTRUCTIONS
SURGICAL EXTRACTION POST-OP INSTRUCTIONS
DENTAL IMPLANTS POST-OP INSTRUCTIONS
APICOECTOMY POST-OP INSTRUCTIONS
