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Dental surgery - Post-Operative Care

Published on April 10, 2025 at 8:00 / Updated on April 25, 2025 at 8:00

Dental surgery, which may include procedures such as implants, extractions and grafts, inevitably causes a certain amount of discomfort and requires special care to optimize healing. Here are some home care instructions intended to help reduce discomfort after oral surgery.

Bleeding

After the procedure, apply firm and consistent pressure on the surgery site by biting down on a gauze pad for at least one hour. This is an important step for the bleeding to stop. Quick coagulation after surgery promotes healing, in addition to reducing pain and the risks of infection.

If for any reason the bleeding resumes, repeat the previous step using a gauze pad placed directly on the wound, while maintaining constant pressure for at least one hour. This will help form another blood clot. Instead of using a gauze pad, it is also possible to bite down on a slightly moistened tea bag. If bleeding persists after 4 hours, speak to your dentist.

Keep in mind that some minor bleeding after surgery is normal and may last for up to 24 hours. Your saliva will likely be tinged with blood. Past the first 24 hours after the procedure, you can rinse your mouth out with lukewarm water 3 to 5 times a day, especially after meals. Your dentist may recommend slightly salted water (½ teaspoon of salt in one cup of water).

Here are some actions to avoid for a better healing:

  • For a few days, avoid drinking through a straw, and pacifiers for kids.
  • Avoid engaging in physical activity for 48 hours.
  • Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol for 2 weeks.

Food and hygiene

Hot food and drinks increase the risk of bleeding. Start by eating foods that are soft and lukewarm, and gradually reintroduce firmer foods as the healing progresses.

Despite the pain and minor bleeding that may occur, brushing your teeth is the best way to promote a quick recovery. Brush your teeth as usual, but with just a small amount of water and be extra careful around the surgery site.

Pain, swelling and medication

Severe pain usually lasts between 24 and 48 hours after a procedure. The level of discomfort varies from person to person. The dentist usually prescribes analgesics or anti-inflammatories for pain relief. Use a milder analgesic as the pain dissipates with each passing day. Avoid products that contain aspirin. If pain persists or intensifies in spite of taking analgesics, speak to your dentist.

Medication prescribed by the dentist must be taken as directed. If antibiotics are prescribed, it is important to finish the prescription to avoid infection.

Moving the jaw may be uncomfortable for up to 7 to 10 days after surgery. Consider modifying the diet to include foods that are easier to chew.

Swelling after surgery is also to be expected. To prevent or reduce swelling, apply ice wrapped in a damp towel to the cheeks for 15 minutes every hour, during the first 48 hours. This will help reduce swelling on the cheeks. After the first 48 hours, warm compresses are recommended to stimulate blood flow and promote healing. Keeping the head elevated will also help reduce swelling.

To recap:

For the first 24 hours after surgeryAfter more than 24 hours
  • Brush the teeth as usual and be extra careful around the surgery site.
  • Apply ice wrapped in a damp towel to the cheeks for 15 minutes every hour.
  • Avoid drinking through a straw, pacifiers for kids, rinsing the mouth, smoking and drinking alcohol.
  • Avoid engaging in any physical activity.
  • Eat lukewarm or cold foods to reduce the risk of bleeding.
  • Brush your teeth as usual and be extra careful around the surgery site.
  • Continue ice application to cheeks for a day if needed, then switch to warm compresses.
  • For a few days, rinse the mouth with lukewarm water or salted water (½ teaspoon of salt in one cup of water), 3 to 5 times a day, especially after meals.
  • Reduce pain medication as tolerated and take the antibiotics until the end of the treatment.

Contact your dentist if there is persistent pain or bleeding.

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