Every patient undergoing oral surgery needs post-operative care. It is always common to have doubts about what can be done or not and what is normal or not during this period.
Some examples of the most common oral surgeries are: wisdom tooth extraction surgery, impacted teeth extraction surgery, bone graft for dental implant, removal of lesions in the mouth, installation of dental implants, gingival surgeries, surgery to remove cysts or oral tumors, among others...
In general these recommendations are for all oral surgeries.
- Take the prescribed medication at the dose and times indicated in the prescription.
- Firmly bite the gauze pad for 10 to 20 minutes, then gently remove it.
- Put an ice pack on the outside of the mouth (with intervals of 10 minutes and 5 minutes of rest).
- Avoid smoking for 72 hours, as it can cause bleeding and may hinder healing.
- Do not spit or suck through a straw, this causes bleeding.
- Avoid physical or sports activity in the first 72 hours after surgery.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
- It is important to drink plenty of fluids, avoiding hard foods.
- Eat after surgery as soon as possible. Cold, soft foods like ice cream or yogurt can be more comfortable the first few days and help stop bleeding and swelling.
- Do not make vigorous mouthwashes in the first 12 hours after the surgery.
- Brush your teeth gently. Keeping stitches clean prevents infection.
- Wash your mouth with antiseptics.
- Keep your head always elevated with several pillows or sit in an armchair.
- Do not bite your lip and tongue when you are under anesthesia. You may be causing injury without realizing it or feeling pain.
- Remove stitches after tooth extraction as directed (Usually after 7 or 10 days)
- Attend scheduled returns.
- In case of doubts, pain or excessive bleeding, contact the dentist.