Post-Op Instructions

General Post-Op Guidelines

These guidelines apply to most oral surgery procedures. Your surgeon may provide additional or modified instructions specific to your treatment.

• Gauze: Bite firmly on the gauze placed over the surgical site for 30 to 45 minutes. Replace as needed if bleeding continues. Some oozing is normal for the first 24 hours.
• Ice: Apply an ice pack to the outside of your face near the surgical area — 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off — for the first 48 hours to reduce swelling.
• Rest: Take it easy for the first 24 to 48 hours. Avoid strenuous physical activity, heavy lifting, and bending over for at least 3 to 5 days.
• Head Elevation: Keep your head elevated with an extra pillow when lying down to help minimize swelling.
• No Smoking or Vaping: Avoid smoking, vaping, and using straws for at least 72 hours. Suction can dislodge the blood clot and cause a painful dry socket.

Pain Management

Take prescribed pain medication as directed before the local anesthesia wears off. Over-the-counter ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) can be alternated with acetaminophen (Tylenol) as recommended by your surgeon. Do not take aspirin, as it can increase bleeding. If prescribed antibiotics, take them until the full course is complete.

Diet After Surgery

Stick to soft, cool foods for the first few days: yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, smoothies (no straws), scrambled eggs, soup (lukewarm, not hot), and protein shakes. Gradually return to your normal diet as comfort allows. Avoid hard, crunchy, spicy, or very hot foods until your surgeon clears you.

Oral Hygiene

Do not rinse, spit, or brush near the surgical site for the first 24 hours. After 24 hours, begin gentle saltwater rinses (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water) 4 to 5 times per day, especially after meals. Resume gentle brushing of other teeth, being careful to avoid the surgical area.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Swelling typically peaks on days 2 to 3 and gradually improves. Bruising around the jaw and neck is normal and will resolve on its own. Limited jaw opening is common and will improve over the first week. Avoid poking the extraction sites with your tongue or fingers.

Dental Implants

Avoid chewing on the implant site until cleared by your surgeon. The implant needs time to integrate with the jawbone — this process typically takes 3 to 6 months. Follow a soft diet and maintain excellent oral hygiene around the implant area. Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor healing.

Tooth Extractions

Protect the blood clot that forms in the extraction socket — it is essential for healing. Avoid rinsing vigorously, using straws, or smoking for at least 72 hours. If you experience increasing pain after day 3 rather than improvement, contact our office as this may indicate a dry socket.

Bone Grafting

Small granules from the graft material may occasionally come loose — this is normal and not a cause for concern. Avoid disturbing the graft site with your tongue or fingers. Gentle saltwater rinses help keep the area clean. Follow all dietary restrictions until your surgeon confirms the graft is healing well.

Expose and Bond

You may have a small chain or elastic visible in your mouth following surgery. Do not pull on it. Your orthodontist will activate it at your next orthodontic appointment. Follow soft diet guidelines and keep the area clean with gentle rinses.

Corrective Jaw Surgery

A liquid or pureed diet is required for the first several weeks. Jaw opening will be limited initially — do not force your mouth open. Swelling can be significant and may take several weeks to fully resolve. Attend all follow-up visits so your surgeon can monitor bone healing and bite alignment.

Frenectomy

The surgical site typically heals quickly. Stretching exercises for the tongue or lip may be recommended to prevent reattachment — perform them as instructed. Stick to soft foods and avoid spicy or acidic items for the first few days.

When to Call Our Office

Contact Detroit Oral Surgery at (313) 562-1515 immediately if you experience:

• Excessive or uncontrolled bleeding that does not slow with pressure
• Severe pain that is not relieved by prescribed medication
• Fever above 101°F (38.3°C)
• Significant swelling that worsens after day 3
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Numbness that persists beyond 24 hours after anesthesia
• An allergic reaction to medication (rash, hives, itching)