If you have oral surgery scheduled, it’s normal to feel a little bit overwhelmed. There’s the procedure itself to think about, and you need to be prepared for steps to take during your recovery.
Knowing beforehand what you can and can’t do after oral surgery in Apex, NC helps soothe some of your concerns and helps you plan for the first few days post-op.
What You Can’t Do after Oral Surgery
Following your dentist’s instructions is crucial for the most comfortable, successful post-procedure recovery. Yes, you have a busy life and things to do, but the next 48 hours are about you and taking time so your body can heal.
- Don’t participate in strenuous activity for the first 24–48 hours, including exercising and heavy lifting. When scheduling your oral surgery, plan for a time when you can take a couple of days off to rest.
- Don’t touch the surgical site.
- Don’t brush the surgical site for the first several days; instead, use soft gauze to gently wipe it clean.
- Don’t eat any hot food until the numbness wears off to avoid burning your mouth.
- Don’t use a straw, drink carbonated beverages, or smoke for several days after oral surgery to protect the healing clot forming over the surgical site.
- Don’t eat foods that are chewy or too hot, or too cold. Plan on eating soft foods like yogurt, pudding, or oatmeal for the first several days.
- Don’t smoke for several days. You risk dislodging the protective clot, and smoking also slows down recovery.
What You Should Do after Oral Surgery
Now for the list of things you should do after oral surgery:
- Do control bleeding by biting down on a folded gauze pad. Should you experience heavy or excessive bleeding, call your dentist right away.
- Do use an ice pack or cold compress. Some swelling and bruising are normal, and icing your jaw for the first 24-48 hours can help minimize it. Also, keep your head elevated with pillows when you lie down.
- Do take any pain meds—prescribed or over-the-counter—as instructed by your dentist.
- Do watch out for fever, swelling, or signs of pus and report them to your dentist immediately.
- Do go to any follow-up appointments scheduled by your dental office.
Do You Need Oral Surgery in Apex, North Carolina?
Dr. Dustin Prusik offers Apex oral surgery at Olive Chapel Dentistry, including tooth extraction, wisdom tooth extraction, and bone grafting. If you think you need one of these procedures or have another dental concern, please call our Apex, NC, dental office to schedule an appointment.