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Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Patient Resources

Instructions For After an Oral Surgery Procedure

Just had a procedure in your mouth?

Whether it was a tooth pulled, an implant placed, a bone graft, or any mouth surgery, this guide is here to help.
Follow these simple steps to heal well, stay comfortable, and avoid common problems. These tips apply to most minor oral surgeries and will make your recovery smoother.

outline of a drop Bleeding

  • A small amount of oozing (fluid coming from the wound) is normal for 24 hours.
  • Bite firmly on the provided gauze pad for 30 to 45 minutes. Replace it if needed.
  • Avoid disturbing the site by touching, sucking, or spitting.
  • If bleeding doesn’t stop after using the gauze, bite on a damp tea bag and apply pressure.

outline of a cube Swelling & Bruising

  • Swelling and bruising are expected after most oral surgeries and may increase over 48–72 hours (about three days).
  • Apply an ice pack on the face close to the side of surgery: 20 minutes off for the first 24 hours.
  • After 48 hours (about two days), switch to warm compresses.

outline of pill bottle Medications

  • Take all prescribed medications (painkillers, antibiotics, mouth rinses) exactly as directed.
  • For over-the-counter pain relief, a combination of acetaminophen and ibuprofen may be effective. Ask your physician and surgeon for more information.

outline of a tooth Oral Hygiene

  • Avoid brushing the surgical area for 24 hours.
  • Brush and floss other teeth gently.
  • After 24 hours, gently rinse with warm salt water (½ tsp salt in one cup warm water) two or three times a day.
  • Avoid commercial mouthwashes unless prescribed.

fork, plate, and knife Eating & Drinking

  • Eat soft, cool foods for the first two to three days (e.g., yogurt, soup, eggs).
  • Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, sticky, or hard foods.
  • Drink plenty of fluids. Do not use a straw.
  • Chew on the opposite side of your mouth if possible.

no smoking symbol Avoid These Activities

  • DO NOT SMOKE/VAPE. It can delay healing and cause dry socket.
  • Drinking alcohol (it interferes with healing and meds).
  • Intense physical activity or heavy lifting for 48 hours, as it may increase bleeding.

outline of phone When to Call Us

Call the clinic if you have:

  • Severe or increasing pain after three days
  • Excessive bleeding that does not stop
  • Fever above 101°F (38.5°C)
  • A bad taste or foul odor that doesn't go away
  • Trouble swallowing, breathing, or opening your mouth

Our phone number during clinic hours is 617.414.4046. After hours, call 617.638.800, choose 0, and ask for the oral surgery resident on call.
 

outline of a calendar Follow-Up

Attend your next appointment as instructed for suture removal, healing check, or further treatment.