The time required to recover from oral surgery will vary from patient to patient and be determined by a variety of factors, including the patient’s ability to heal, what type of surgery was performed, and how closely patient’s follow post-operative care instructions.

In order to maximize your recovery time and avoid developing infections or other issues related to oral surgery, it is important to follow these general guidelines.

How to Treat Swelling

It is normal to experience some swelling following oral surgery. If swelling does occur, be sure to keep your head elevated. Ice packs can also be helpful in reducing swelling, especially during the first 24 hours following surgery. If you follow these directions and avoid sustaining any additional trauma to your face, swelling generally goes away within 7-10 days following surgery.

Swelling may also be accompanied by muscle stiffness in the face, as well as mild bruising. If your swelling has not improved within 7-10 days, or if you have any concerns, contact your dentist.

How to Treat Post-Operative Bleeding

Patients will typically experience slight bleeding for up to 24 hours following oral surgery, especially following a tooth extraction. To help control this bleeding, bite down on a gauze for one hour. Once this session is complete, gently remove the gauze. If the gauze feels stuck, it may help to take a small sip of water to soften it.

If bleeding has not stopped after 24-48 hours, it may be helpful to bite gently on a damp black tea bag, as the tannic acid can assist in clotting and reducing the bleeding. If you have any concerns about bleeding that will not stop, contact your dentist.

Pain Management and Medications

Depending upon the type of oral surgery you have, you may experience practically no pain or you may experience some mild to moderate discomfort. For patients recovering from more intense oral surgery procedures, your dentist will likely prescribe pain management medication. If you are given prescription medication, be certain to follow the prescribed dosage instructions. If your dentist prescribes an antibiotic, be certain to follow the prescribed dosage to avoid developing an infection.

Oral Hygiene

One of the most common mistakes people make following oral surgery is brushing and rinsing their mouth too vigorously. Following any oral surgery, it is important to brush gently, avoid mouthwash, and only lightly rinse with water, letting the water fall naturally from your mouth and not spitting it out. By taking these extra precautions, the surgical site will remain clean and your healing process will progress much quicker.

 In addition to modifying your brushing and oral health care habits, it is also important to not smoke for 24 hours minimum following your surgery. Smoking during this time can result in a dry socket forming and/or delay the healing process. Patients who are recovering from a tooth extraction should also avoid smokeless tobacco, as this type of tobacco can easily work its way into the site of the extraction, which can result in discomfort and pain.

Rest and Recovery

Finally, the most important thing you can do to ensure a speedy and effective recovery is to allot time to rest, ideally for at least 48 hours following your surgery. Unless you have had a significant oral surgical procedure, most patients are able to return to their normal activities following this two-to-three day rest period.

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