Oral Surgery General Post-operative Instructions
These are just a few generic instructions to prepare yourself for healing following your upcoming oral surgery procedure. You will receive more comprehensive instructions on the day of your surgery.
- Prescriptions: Antibiotics are not required after routine oral surgery, but you will most likely be given prescriptions for pain medication on the day of your surgery and we will review the instructions for these medications with you on the day of your surgery. Plan to pick them up on your way home or shortly after you get home
- Ice: Swelling and bruising are normal following oral surgery, and can be quite variable from person to person. Use of ice packs (20 mins on, 20 mins off) for the first 24 hours after your surgery will help reduce the swelling that will occur
- Diet:
- When you get home after the procedure, start with clear liquids (water, Gatorade, apple juice) using a cup or spoon. Avoid using straws for the first week
- Once you are tolerating clear liquids, move on to cool, soft foods for the rest of the day: e.g. milkshakes, Jell-O, pudding, protein shakes, smoothies, yogurt, applesauce, avocado, banana
- If you are having teeth removed from the lower jaw, we will want you to avoid foods with small hard pieces (popcorn, nuts, seeds, berries, tortilla chips ) for the first 1-2 months or until the sockets have completely healed over
- Recovery time: Recovery is variable person to person, and also varies based on your age, health, and the procedure you’re having done. On average, it’s best to allow for 2-4 days to relax before returning to work, school, or other normal activities. For workouts or strenuous activity, wait about 1 week and gradually ease yourself back to strenuous activity. The recovery time may be longer depending on the above factors.
- Driving: You cannot drive for 24 hours following sedation or general anesthesia, or while taking pain medication with narcotic in it (such as Tylenol #3)
