- Some pain, bleeding, swelling, and seeping is normal following oral surgery. Please do not try to view the site by pulling on your lip and do not probe the area with your tongue or fingers.
- Avoid forcefully rinsing or spitting or drinking through a straw. Biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the wound for 30 minutes will help reduce bleeding. Some bleeding is normal for the first 24 hours. If bleeding continues please call our office.
- Please take all medications, including mouth rinses, as prescribed.
- After 24 hours, warm salt water rinses (one-half teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) can be used 4-5 times a day after meals.
- After 24 hours, brush your teeth with a soft manual toothbrush. Be gentle with brushing the surgical areas.
- Sutures may be placed after the surgery, and most sutures dissolve on their own.
- Swelling and bruising may occur and may become more noticeable two to three days following surgery. Applying a cold compress to the face near the surgical site will help minimize swelling.
- If using an ice pack, please do not apply ice directly to your skin but place a cloth between the ice and your skin at all times. You may apply the cold compress for up to 20 minutes on and at least 20 minutes off as needed. After 36 hours the cold compress will have no further impact on swelling. After this period, the application of moist heat to the sides of the face can help reduce swelling.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Stay away from spicy or acidic foods. Also avoid sharp and crunchy foods like tacos, chips, and nuts. Tobacco and alcohol should not be used. Alcohol should not be used in combination with pain medications nor antibiotics.
- Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. Avoid strenuous activity for 2-3 days.
- If a surgical bandage was used, it will ideally remain in place for 24 hours. There is no need for you to remove it; it will come off when ready. Once it does, you can begin cleaning the wound gently with a cotton swab dipped in a mouth rinse.
Thank you for trusting our team with your care. Proper post-operative care is essential for healing and comfort. Please read these instructions carefully following your procedure.
What to Expect
- Some pain, bleeding, swelling, and minor seeping are normal after surgery.
- Do not pull on your lip to view the area or probe it with your tongue or fingers.
- If you experience excessive bleeding or discomfort after 48–72 hours, please contact our office.
Pain Management
- You may take ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed on the label or by our office.
- Take all prescribed medications exactly as instructed.
Swelling Management
- Swelling may increase and peak 3-4 days after surgery.
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your face near the surgical site:
- 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off
- Always place a cloth between the ice and your skin
- After 72 hours, switch to moist heat to help reduce swelling.
Oral Hygiene
- Avoid brushing directly over the surgical site.
- Continue brushing and flossing the rest of your mouth as instructed.
- After the first day, rinse gently with warm salt water:
- ½ teaspoon salt in 8 oz of water
- Rinse 3 times daily
First 24 Hours – Restrictions
Do not:
- Use a straw
- Brush, rinse, or spit
- Smoke
You may also experience temporary sensitivity to hot and cold.
Avoid:
- Hot or spicy foods
- Carbonated or alcoholic beverages
Diet Recommendations
- Stick to soft foods and liquids for the first few days:
- Soups
- Yogurt
- Smoothies
- Juice
Activity
- Rest on the day of surgery.
- Resume normal activities the following day as tolerated.
Dentures
- If you wear a denture that overlaps the implant site:
- Minimize use during the first week
- Gradually increase wear time after the first week as healing allows
Follow-Up Care
- Keep all scheduled follow-up appointments so we can monitor healing.
- Follow any additional instructions provided by our office.
When to Contact Our Office
Call us if you experience:
- Increasing pain or swelling after several days
- Excessive bleeding
- Any concerns about healing
- Some pain, bleeding, swelling, and seeping is normal following oral surgery. Please do not try to view the site by pulling on your lip and do not probe the area with your tongue or fingers.
- Avoid forcefully rinsing or spitting or drinking through a straw. Biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the wound for 30 minutes will help reduce bleeding. Some bleeding is normal for the first 24 hours. If bleeding continues please call our office.
- Please take all medications, including mouth rinses, as prescribed.
- After 24 hours, warm salt water rinses (one-half teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) can be used 4-5 times a day after meals.
- After 24 hours, brush your teeth with a soft manual toothbrush. Be gentle with brushing the surgical areas.
- Sutures may be placed after the surgery, and most sutures dissolve on their own.
- Swelling and bruising may occur. Applying a cold compress to the face near the surgical site will help minimize swelling. If using an ice pack, please do not apply ice directly to your skin but place a cloth between the ice and your skin at all times. You may apply the cold compress for up to 20 minutes on and at least 20 minutes off as needed. After 36 hours the cold compress will have no further impact on swelling. After this period, the application of moist heat to the sides of the face can help reduce swelling. Alternate the warm pack on and off in 15-minute intervals as needed.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Stay away from spicy or acidic foods. Also avoid sharp and crunchy foods like tacos, chips, and nuts. Tobacco and alcohol should not be used. Alcohol should not be used in combination with pain medications nor antibiotics.
- Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery.