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.
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.