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After surgery

Recovery, one day at a time

Your surgeon calls you the evening after surgery, and a surgeon answers the 24/7 line any night of the week. These are the general instructions; follow the written ones you went home with first.

Person resting comfortably at home under a blanket

Post-op instructions

Looking after yourself at home

Person holding a cold compress to their cheek

Most recoveries are uneventful. Rest, keep your head up, use cold packs, eat soft foods, and take your medication on schedule. Call us if something doesn’t feel right.

  • Bleeding

    1. Bite firmly on gauze for 30 to 60 minutes.
    2. Light oozing or pink saliva is normal for a day or two.
    3. Still bleeding? Bite on a moist black tea bag for 30 minutes.
    4. No spitting, straws or smoking for at least 3 days.

  • Swelling

    1. Cold packs, 20 minutes on and 20 off, for the first 48 hours.
    2. Sleep with your head raised on two pillows.
    3. Swelling peaks around day two or three, then fades.
    4. After 48 hours, warm compresses ease stiffness.

  • Pain

    1. Take your first dose before the numbness wears off.
    2. Use medication on schedule, as prescribed.
    3. Alternating ibuprofen and acetaminophen works for many people, if your surgeon approves.
    4. Pain should ease a little each day after day three.

  • Diet

    1. Cool, soft foods the first day: yogurt, smoothies with a spoon, applesauce.
    2. Lukewarm soups, eggs and pasta from day two.
    3. Avoid crunchy, spicy or very hot food for a week.
    4. Drink plenty of water. No alcohol while taking pain medication.

  • Oral hygiene

    1. Don’t rinse on the day of surgery.
    2. From the next day, rinse gently with warm salt water after meals.
    3. Brush your other teeth as usual, gently near the sites.
    4. Use the irrigation syringe only when your surgeon says to start.

  • Activity

    1. Rest for the first 24 hours with an adult nearby.
    2. No driving for 24 hours after sedation, or while taking opioids.
    3. Light walking from day two.
    4. Most exercise can resume after about a week.

  • Sutures

    1. Most stitches dissolve on their own within one to two weeks.
    2. A loose stitch is normal; don’t pull it.
    3. If yours need removing, we’ll book a short visit.
    4. Bring any questions to your follow-up.
  • Call us

    Warning signs

    1. Bleeding that won’t slow after an hour of firm pressure.
    2. Swelling that gets worse after day three, or a fever over 101°F.
    3. A throbbing ache that worsens on day three to five (possible dry socket).
    4. Trouble breathing or swallowing: call 911.

Day by day

What a typical recovery looks like

Ranges, not deadlines. Larger procedures, like full-arch or jaw surgery, take longer, and your surgeon will tell you what to expect.

  1. Stage 1

    Surgery day

    • Rest at home with an adult nearby.
    • Gauze, cold packs and your first dose of medication.
    • Your surgeon calls you that evening.
  2. Stage 2

    Days 1 to 3

    • Swelling peaks; keep your head up.
    • Soft, cool foods and plenty of water.
    • Salt-water rinses from day two.
  3. Stage 3

    Days 4 to 7

    • Swelling and soreness ease.
    • Most people return to school or desk work.
    • Call us if pain gets worse instead of better.
  4. Stage 4

    Weeks 1 to 2

    • Most foods again, chewing carefully.
    • Exercise usually resumes.
    • Your follow-up visit, if one is booked.

FAQ

Recovery questions

Will someone check on me after surgery?

Yes. Your surgeon calls you the evening after your surgery to see how you are feeling and answer any questions. You also go home with written instructions, and follow-up visits are included in your quote.

What if I have a problem at night or on the weekend?

Call the 24/7 surgeon line. A Molly oral surgeon answers any night of the week and can advise you, call in a prescription when appropriate, or arrange to see you first thing. For difficulty breathing or swallowing, or heavy bleeding that won't stop with pressure, call 911.

How much pain should I expect after oral surgery?

Most patients describe soreness rather than severe pain, usually at its worst in the first two to three days and then improving. Many manage with a combination of over-the-counter ibuprofen and acetaminophen taken on a schedule, and your surgeon may prescribe something stronger for a short time. Pain that gets worse after day three is worth a call, because it can be a sign of dry socket or infection.

How can I keep swelling down?

Use ice packs on your cheeks, 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off, for the first 24 to 36 hours, and sleep with your head raised on an extra pillow. Swelling usually peaks on the second or third day and then fades. After that, warm compresses can ease stiffness. Swelling that keeps increasing after day three, or comes with a fever, should be checked.

When can I exercise again?

Light walking is fine after a day or two. Strenuous exercise, weight training and contact sports usually wait about a week after wisdom teeth or implant surgery, and longer after jaw surgery. Exercising too early can increase bleeding and swelling. Your surgeon will confirm what is right for you at your follow-up.

Couple at home talking on the phone

Worried about something? Call us, day or night.

A Molly surgeon answers the 24/7 line any night of the week. If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, call 911.

Urgent oral surgery (949) 555-0911

Need a follow-up visit?

Book online or call your office. Follow-up visits after surgery are already part of your written quote.

Book a follow-up Call (949) 555-0100