Oral surgery is necessary to eliminate problems such as decaying or broken teeth and other issues. Patients want to be prepared for what to do before, during, and after a surgical procedure. Discover what patients should do and not do after oral surgery at Capital Oral and Facial Surgery DC.

Never Smoke or Chew Tobacco

Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco for at least 24 hours after surgery. Smoking can cause a condition called dry socket that requires immediate treatment from a dentist. Also, smokers could get pieces of tobacco in the extraction area that cause irritation.

Don’t Run Around or Get Excited

Patients need to rest for two or three days after going through oral surgery. Running around and getting excited can slow down recovery. Avoid getting overexerted and take time out to heal in the days after surgery.

Avoid Spitting and Rinsing

With the bleeding that follows during the 24 hours after oral surgery, many patients have the urge to spit or rinse. Both should be avoided for at least a day after surgery. Use gauze and bite down on it to alleviate the bleeding.

Take Medication As Directed

Patients might be prescribed medication after oral surgery. Antibiotics combat infection and should be taken until they are finished. Some patients might have pain management medication, which should be taken as directed.

Do Use Ice and Elevation

In the hours following oral surgery, some swelling usually occurs. Elevate the head and put ice on the exterior of the mouth to reduce swelling. Typically, the swelling goes down or goes away within a few days.

Contact the Dentist

If bleeding continues for more than a couple of days, it’s time to contact the dentist. Extreme swelling or other issues should also be reported to the dentist promptly to ensure the patient is recovering properly after the procedure.

Many patients feel relief after oral surgery once the initial symptoms subside. The majority of patients recover from oral surgery without problems and return to their usual routines within a couple of days. If a patient has any problems, the dentist is a phone call away to answer questions.