Post-Operative Care Instructions
Following these instructions carefully will promote proper healing, minimize discomfort, and help you recover quickly from your oral surgery.
24/7 Emergency Contact
For post-operative emergencies outside office hours, call: (916) 555-1234
For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Immediate Post-Operative Care
Critical steps for the first 24-48 hours after surgery
First 24 Hours
- •Bite firmly on gauze pads for 30-45 minutes to control bleeding
- •Keep your head elevated (use 2-3 pillows) to reduce swelling
- •Apply ice packs to the outside of your face (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off)
- •Rest and avoid strenuous activity
- •Do not rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours
Pain Management
- •Take prescribed pain medications as directed before pain becomes severe
- •Take pain medication with food to prevent nausea
- •Do not drive or operate machinery while taking narcotic pain medication
- •If antibiotics are prescribed, complete the entire course
- •Over-the-counter pain relievers can be alternated with prescription medication (ask us first)
Managing Swelling
- •Ice packs for first 48 hours (20 on, 20 off)
- •After 48 hours, switch to warm compresses to promote healing
- •Sleep with head elevated for 3-5 days
- •Avoid bending over or lying flat
- •Swelling peaks at 48-72 hours, then gradually decreases
Controlling Bleeding
Diet Guidelines
Progress through these stages as your healing allows
Day 1
- •Clear liquids and soft foods only
- •Cold foods like ice cream, smoothies, yogurt (avoid straws!)
- •Protein shakes or meal replacement drinks
- •Avoid hot foods and drinks
Days 2-7
- •Soft, easy-to-chew foods (mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, pasta)
- •Lukewarm soups (avoid hot temperature)
- •Oatmeal, pudding, applesauce
- •Well-cooked vegetables
Week 2+
- •Gradually return to normal diet as tolerated
- •Chew away from surgical site if possible
- •Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods until fully healed
- •Continue to avoid using straws
Oral Hygiene Timeline
No rinsing, no brushing near surgical site. Gently wipe teeth with wet gauze if needed.
Begin gentle salt water rinses (1 tsp salt in 8 oz warm water) 4-6 times daily, especially after meals. Resume brushing other teeth gently.
Continue salt water rinses. Gradually resume normal brushing and flossing, being gentle around surgical area.
What to Avoid During Recovery
Normal Post-Operative Symptoms
These are expected and part of the normal healing process
Swelling
Peaks at 48-72 hours, may last 5-7 days. Use ice for first 48 hours, then warm compresses.
Bruising
May appear 2-3 days post-op on face or neck. This is normal and will fade in 7-10 days.
Slight Bleeding
Pink-tinged saliva is normal for 24-48 hours. Control with gauze and moistened tea bags.
Jaw Stiffness
Temporary difficulty opening mouth fully. Gentle stretching exercises help (we'll demonstrate).
Numbness
Temporary numbness of lip, tongue, or chin may occur. Usually resolves within days to weeks.
When to Call Our Office
Contact us immediately if you experience any of the following:
After hours emergency: (916) 555-1234
Follow-Up Appointment
Your follow-up appointment is crucial for monitoring your healing. If you haven't scheduled your post-op visit, please call our office.
View Frequently Asked Questions