How to Care For Your Mouth Post-Oral Surgery, from General & Restorative Dentist in Vancouver, WA

Why this resource is helpful:

""What can I do to heal quickly after my oral surgery?" Whether it is a wisdom tooth removal, dental implant or root canal therapy, caring for your mouth properly after oral surgery is all-important for healing quickly and without complications. We"ve put together a guideline for basic post-oral surgery care, but as always be sure to follow your dentist"s specific instructions!

Take it Easy: After oral surgery, plan to take the rest of the day off because rest is so important for healing! Most patients can get back to their normal routines after the first 24 hours, but avoid strenuous activity for one week after surgery.

Gauze: If you"ve ever had a wisdom tooth removed, you"re familiar with this process. Your dentist will place a piece of gauze over the surgical site and instruct you to apply firm pressure on it (by biting down) for 30-45 minutes; remove and replace with a fresh piece of gauze if bleeding has not stopped.

Reduce Swelling: Swelling and slight bruising of the face is normal after oral surgery; but there are things you can do to reduce them and recover more quickly.

Ice It: Wrap an ice pack (or baggie of ice, or bag of frozen peas, etc.) with a clean towel and hold it against the swollen area, alternating 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off.

Keep Your Head Elevated when you lay down to rest or sleep during the first 24 hours after surgery, using a few pillows to prop up your head. This allows for proper blood flow and helps reduce swelling."

Search Body Health Providers Find Similar Resources