What Precautions Should Be Taken After Oral Surgery?

Recovering from oral surgery? What you do next matters just as much as the procedure itself. Whether it’s your first extraction or a complex operation, following the right steps ensures a smoother healing process. An experienced oral surgeon in Toronto, ON, will guide you, but it’s up to you to follow through. Let’s talk about what really helps after you leave the dental chair.

1. Managing Pain and Swelling

Pain and swelling are two things almost everyone faces after oral surgery. The good news? They’re manageable with the right approach.

Stick to the Pain Plan

• Take medications exactly as directed. Don’t skip doses, even if you’re feeling okay at the moment.
• Set a timer or reminder on your phone, especially in the first 48 hours, when pain can sneak up quickly.

Ice, Rest, and Repeat

• Apply ice packs on the outside of your face for the first 24–48 hours, alternating 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.
• This not only helps with swelling but also provides some natural pain relief.
• Keep your head elevated—use extra pillows while sleeping or rest in a recliner. Avoid lying flat.
• If your swelling increases after the third day or spreads significantly, that’s a sign to check in with your healthcare provider.

If you’re asking, “Should I ice it again?” the answer is probably yes.

2. Dietary Guidelines for Quick Healing

Food becomes more than just fuel when you’re recovering. It’s a form of medicine, especially in the days following oral surgery.

What to Eat

• Soft and cool options are your safest bet. Think applesauce, yogurt, smoothies (without a straw), scrambled eggs, or well-blended soups.
• Stick to room temperature or slightly chilled foods. They feel soothing and don’t irritate your healing gums.
• Incorporate soft proteins, such as fish, cottage cheese, or protein smoothies (sipped slowly), to support tissue repair.

What to Avoid

• Crunchy and sharp-edged foods, such as chips, popcorn, crackers, and crusty bread.
• Spicy or acidic dishes, such as salsa, citrus, or tomato-based sauces they can sting and cause inflammation.
• Hot beverages and alcohol—these delay clot formation and might irritate sensitive tissue.
• Carbonated drinks should also be skipped—they can disrupt the healing process and cause discomfort.

If you’re searching for an oral surgeon near you, use this helpful advice.

If you need to chew more than twice, try again in a few days.

3. Maintaining Oral Hygiene

A clean mouth is a healing mouth—but go easy, especially around the surgical site. Many complications stem from improper hygiene after surgery, but there’s a right way to clean up without causing harm.

What to Do

• Don’t brush or rinse for the first 24 hours.
• Starting the day after surgery, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean the surrounding teeth while avoiding the surgical area.
• Use a saltwater rinse (½ teaspoon salt in a glass of warm water) after every meal and before bed, starting on day two.
• If prescribed, use a medicated rinse as directed. This will help kill harmful bacteria and prevent infection.

What Not to Do

• Avoid spitting forcefully. Simply tilt your head and let the rinse flow naturally out of your mouth.
• Skip commercial mouthwashes unless approved by your dentist—many contain alcohol, which can dry out the area and delay healing.

Follow your instructions post-oral surgery carefully. Hygiene isn’t just about fresh breath now—it’s your defense against complications.

Gentleness is the name of the game. Your toothbrush isn’t a power tool.

4. Activity Restrictions and Recommendations

Once you start to feel better, it’s tempting to get back to your normal routine. Resist that temptation, at least for a few days. Healing tissue can be delicate, and even a slight misstep can set things back.

Limit Physical Activity

• Avoid any strenuous activities, such as workouts, jogging, or heavy lifting, for at least 5–7 days.
• Increased blood flow from exercise can dislodge the blood clot, resulting in bleeding or a dry socket.

Sleep and Recovery Tips

• Keep your head raised while sleeping to help reduce swelling.
• If you feel tired, let yourself rest. Your body is busy repairing, even when you’re just lounging.
• Hydrate well and keep a light, soft diet to support energy without taxing your digestive system.

Bad Habits to Avoid

• No smoking or vaping. These significantly increase your risk of complications, such as infection and dry socket.
• Skip chewing gum and drinking through straws—any form of suction can be harmful right now.

If it makes your heart race, wait a few more days.

5. Recognizing and Responding to Complications

The majority of recoveries go smoothly, but sometimes things don’t follow the plan. Identifying potential issues quickly can spare you pain and promote proper healing.

Warning Signs

• Severe, throbbing pain several days after surgery (especially in the jaw)—this could be a dry socket.
• Pus, a foul odor, or an unpleasant taste—possible signs of infection.
• Bleeding that doesn’t stop after gently biting on gauze for 30 minutes.
• Swelling that continues to worsen past day 3 or spreads to your neck or eye area.
• Fever, chills, or feeling generally unwell—time to call the office.

What to Do

• Don’t wait it out. If something feels off, contact your oral surgeon immediately.
• Trust your gut—post-surgery complications can escalate quickly without proper care.

Healing shouldn’t hurt this much—call if you’re unsure.

Final Thoughts

Recovery doesn’t have to be stressful—just intentional. By following the right precautions, you give your body the best chance to heal quickly and avoid setbacks. From pain control to spotting warning signs, every step counts. Trust the guidance of your provider. Toronto East Maxillofacial Surgery is here to support you every step of the way.