Recovering from Surgery

Post Surgical Instructions for Most Procedures

Here are typical post-surgical instructions for most routine oral surgical procedures. The information provided here does not replace the advice of your doctor about your specific case. Always follow the recommendations of your surgeon.

Oral Wound Care

• Facial swelling is expected. Swelling will increase the first few days after surgery then gradually decline. Elevate your head with pillows while sleeping to reduce swelling.
• A minor amount of drainage from the surgical site is typical during the first 24 hours.
• No spitting, sucking, or using a straw to avoid disturbing your wounds. Avoid chewing food near your surgery sites.
• Do not use tobacco products while your surgical site is healing. For help with quitting, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) to speak with a trained quit coach who can provide help over the phone.

Oral Hygiene

• Keep your mouth as clean as possible to ensure proper healing and avoid infection
• Brush your teeth daily when waking up, after meals, and before going to sleep. Avoid brushing directly on the surgical sites until they are healed.
• Rinse gently with warm salt water starting 24 hours after surgery to keep your wounds clean. Salt water is made by placing a teaspoon of table salt in one cup of warm (NOT HOT) water.
• Do not use mouthwash unless prescribed by your surgeon. Do not rinse with hydrogen peroxide.

Diet

• Maintain a soft diet after surgery. Advance to firmer foods as you feel able after surgery. Avoid foods with sharp edges such as chips, pretzels, or popcorn kernels.
• Try to eat high-protein, high-calorie foods to aid healing. Avoid foods that are spicy or hot as they may irritate your healing wounds.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid carbonated or alcoholic beverages. Avoid excessive caffeine.

Exercise

• Engaging in moderate physical activity can help speed your recovery. Most people can complete light housework or walk around the neighborhood. Cough and breathe deeply to help clear your lungs after sedation. Rest when you feel tired.
• Avoid any strenuous physical activities or contact sports where your jaws may be bumped or injured. Do not lift anything over 20 pounds for 3-5 days after your procedure.

Pain management

• Pain after surgery is expected. Controlling your pain is important to help you stay comfortable, keep your surgical wounds clean, and to help you return to normal function.
• Your surgeon will make every effort to help manage your pain safely. Discuss with your surgeon if you take pain medications on a regular basis or if you cannot tolerate a particular medication. If you have a history of alcohol or drug abuse, please talk with your surgeon. We will try to decrease your risk of opioid dependency or addiction by minimizing your exposure.
• Different kinds of medications are often prescribed together to manage your pain. Pain medications can work together to provide a superior level of pain control than each medication taken alone.