Whether you’ve had your wisdom teeth extracted, dental implants placed, or another type of oral surgery, you’ll need to help your mouth heal post-operation. Speed up the healing process by practicing the following tips for recovery following oral surgery.

5 Ways to Help Your Mouth Heal After Oral Surgery

1. Control the Bleeding

After tooth extraction, expect minimal bleeding for up to the following 24 hours. Help stop the bleeding and encourage clotting by biting down on a small piece of gauze for an hour. Remove it carefully once the bleeding has stopped to keep from reopening the wound.

2. Apply an Ice Pack

Swelling is also a common occurrence after oral surgery. For the first 24 hours post-op, you can apply an ice pack to your face in 30-minute increments with 15-minute breaks in between each ice period. You should also keep your head elevated with extra pillows. The swelling should be gone entirely 7 to 10 days after your surgery.

3. Practice Gentle Oral Hygiene

Your oral surgeon should give you instructions for proper oral hygiene after your surgery. Brush very gently, if at all, and avoid harsh mouthwashes. You should also consider rinsing your mouth with a saltwater solution. Rinsing can help disinfect the surgery site and keep your mouth free of food particles.

4. Get Plenty of Rest

Plan to take the rest of the day to recover after your oral surgery. You’ll be tired from your sedatives and should not drive or complete any tasks that require concentration. After 48 hours, you should be able to resume your normal daily activities.

5. Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions

Always follow your surgeon’s recovery instructions. He or she will give you specific care instructions for your particular surgery as well as general care directives. You should also follow any instructions included with pain medication or antibiotics prescribed to you.

James Shirmer, DDS at The Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Countryside in Lebanon, OH, is a skilled oral surgeon who provides a wide range of services in the Warren County area. Visit the center for all of your oral surgery needs, including wisdom teeth removals, bone grafting, and dental implants. His staff provides a compassionate and inviting atmosphere in the state-of-the-art facility. Schedule your first consultation today by calling (513) 932-9991, or visit the website for more information.