What to Expect After Oral Surgery

Surgeries are sometimes required to resolve injuries, defects, and diseases of various aspects of the mouth and jaw. It may be needed to remove wisdom teeth, repair broken teeth, restore the jaw, repair gum problems, and many other purposes. Typically performed by an oral surgeon on an outpatient basis, patients and their family members are responsible for their own care at home afterwards.

Here are some common outcomes that can be expected after oral surgery.

Bleeding
It is normal to experience some amount of bleeding after oral surgery, especially in the first few hours afterwards. The wound site may ooze for up to 24 hours. It may seem like you are bleeding more than you actually are, because when blood and saliva mix it creates more liquid. If you experience bleeding that isn’t controlled by holding gauze firmly to the area for four hours, contact your oral surgeon.

Swelling
Facial swelling is common for the first day or so following oral surgery, and may not dissipate for up to a week. Hold a cold compress or ice pack on the swollen area for the first day after surgery. It’s helpful to apply the compress for ten minutes and then remove it for ten minutes, alternating the two for the first day. On the next day, hold a warm compress to promote circulation and help reduce swelling. However, remember not to apply heat for the first 24 hours. As swelling goes down, bruising may occur and can last up to ten days.

Pain
Once the anesthetic from surgery wears off, pain is common. It is usually the worst for the first 48 hours, but some pain is not unusual for 3 to 5 days after surgery. Take the pain medication that your doctor prescribes, and avoid alcohol and driving if you are drowsy. If your pain is not controlled, contact your doctor for advice.

Sedation oral surgery dentist in Fresno California