It is important to us that our patients are well informed at every step of their treatment. The following instructions will help you recover safely and comfortably after your procedure. If you have any concerns during your recovery, please do not hesitate to call our office at (610) 885-7549.
After Wisdom Tooth Removal
Wisdom tooth extraction is a surgical procedure that requires post-operative care to reduce the risk of infection or other complications. Immediately after surgery, a gauze pad will be placed over the extraction site — do not remove it for at least 45 minutes, then discard it. Refrain from drinking through a straw or rinsing your mouth, as this can dislodge the blood clot that has formed. Limit your activities for the rest of the day and resume your regular routine the following day. Take pain medication as prescribed to manage discomfort once the local anesthetic wears off.
After Dental Implant Surgery
Bleeding
Some bleeding from the surgical site is normal for up to 48–72 hours following surgery. Bite down firmly on the gauze placed by your dentist for the first hour after surgery. Avoid spitting and rinsing, as this aggravates bleeding. If your implant was placed in the upper jaw, do not blow your nose — blot gently and apply pressure instead.
If you experience heavy or persistent bleeding, gently wipe any large clots from your mouth, then fold two gauze sponges into fourths — or use a moistened regular tea bag wrapped in gauze — and place it firmly over the bleeding site. Bite down for one full hour without changing. If bleeding continues after one hour, call our office immediately at (610) 885-7549.
Eating & Drinking
About an hour after surgery, you may remove the gauze. For the first 24 hours, stick to soft foods such as pudding or applesauce, and drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot, spicy, hard, or crunchy foods and hot drinks. Do not use a straw for at least 24 hours, as the suction can disrupt healing.
Pain & Recovery
The degree of discomfort after surgery typically depends on how extensive the procedure was. Ibuprofen or Tylenol is usually adequate for pain relief. The local anesthetic will begin to wear off within 2–4 hours, so take your recommended over-the-counter or prescription medication as directed.
Swelling
Swelling is a natural part of the healing process and may increase for 3–5 days before gradually subsiding. You may also experience some bruising, numbness, or tingling of the lip and/or tongue near the implant site. To minimize swelling, apply an ice pack to your face over the surgical area for the first 24–36 hours, alternating 10–30 minutes on and off.
Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene remains essential after surgery. After 24 hours, you may resume gentle tooth brushing and rinse occasionally with mild salt water (1/4 teaspoon of salt in a glass of water). Do not use mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide rinses for 14 days.
Smoking
Do not smoke following oral surgery. Smoking interferes with the normal healing process and significantly increases the risk of infection, implant failure, and bone graft failure. Smokers have a higher overall risk of implant failure.
After Impacted Tooth Removal
A tooth becomes impacted when there is insufficient room in the dental arch for it to erupt fully. After surgery to remove an impacted tooth, mild discomfort and some swelling is expected — this is a normal part of the healing process. Apply cold compresses to the area to help reduce swelling. Take any prescribed pain medication as directed by your doctor. Avoid disturbing the extraction site and modify your diet to soft foods for a few days to allow for proper healing.
If you have any questions or concerns during your recovery, call us at (610) 885-7549 or read more information on post-surgical instructions.