After your procedure
Post-operative instructions
Your written instructions from the day of surgery always come first. This page is a general reference for the most common questions.
Call us right away if you have bleeding that won't slow with pressure, swelling that worsens after day five, a fever, numbness that isn't going away, or pain that increases instead of easing. 918-288-0818
The first 24 hours
- Bite gently on the gauze for 30–45 minutes. Replace it if bleeding continues.
- Rest with your head slightly elevated. Skip exercise, lifting, and bending over.
- Use a cold compress on the outside of the face, 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.
- Do not rinse forcefully, spit, or use a straw — that can dislodge the clot.
- No smoking or vaping. Nicotine is the single biggest cause of poor healing.
Eating and drinking
- Soft, cool foods for the first day or two: yogurt, eggs, soup that isn't hot, smoothies eaten with a spoon.
- Stay well hydrated with water.
- Chew away from the surgical site until you're told otherwise.
- Avoid seeds, nuts, chips, and anything sharp while the site heals.
Medication and hygiene
- Take medications exactly as prescribed, and finish an antibiotic if one was given.
- Start any prescribed rinse the day after surgery unless told otherwise.
- Brush your other teeth normally. Keep the brush off the surgical site and any dressing.
- Do not pull at sutures or dressing. Some pieces coming loose is normal.
What's normal
- Swelling that peaks around day five, then improves.
- Mild oozing and pink saliva for the first day.
- Bruising, particularly with grafting.
- Some soreness that gets a little better each day.
Post-operative instruction videos
Short videos walking you through recovery after the most common procedures.
After scaling and root planing
What to expect and how to care for your mouth in the days after your deep cleaning.
After periodontal surgery
Post-operative instructions for eating, cleaning, and healing after periodontal surgery.
After bone grafting
Post-operative instructions for protecting the graft site while it heals.
After connective tissue grafting
Post-operative instructions for eating, cleaning, and healing after gum grafting.
After implant surgery
Post-operative instructions for caring for the implant site while it heals.
Still unsure about something?
Call the office during business hours and ask for a clinical team member. We would rather answer a small question than have you wait and worry.