If you’re scheduled for oral surgery, you may have questions or concerns about what to expect. Whether you’re having a tooth extraction, dental implant placement, or another procedure, understanding the process can help you feel more confident and prepared. At California Dental Group, we want to ensure our patients have a smooth experience from start to finish. Here are six important things to know before your oral surgery.
1. Follow Pre-Surgery Instructions Carefully
Your dentist or oral surgeon will provide specific pre-operative instructions that are essential for a successful procedure. These may include:
- Fasting guidelines – If sedation or general anesthesia is involved, you may need to avoid eating or drinking for a certain period before surgery.
- Medication adjustments – If you take regular medications, your dentist will let you know if you need to pause or adjust any before surgery.
- Transportation arrangements – If you’re receiving sedation, arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home.
Following these instructions can help prevent complications and ensure your procedure goes as planned.
2. You May Experience Some Swelling and Discomfort
Mild swelling and discomfort after oral surgery are completely normal. Your mouth and jaw need time to heal, and some common post-surgery effects include:
- Swelling around the surgery site
- Mild to moderate pain
- Bruising on the cheeks or jaw (depending on the procedure)
How to Minimize Discomfort:
- Apply a cold compress to the affected area for the first 24 hours.
- Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication as directed.
- Rest and avoid strenuous activities for a couple of days.
3. Eating Soft Foods Will Help Your Recovery
After oral surgery, your mouth will be sensitive, and certain foods can cause irritation or discomfort. Sticking to soft foods will make eating easier and prevent damage to the surgery site.
Recommended Foods:
- Yogurt
- Mashed potatoes
- Smoothies
- Scrambled eggs
- Oatmeal
Foods to Avoid:
- Crunchy foods like chips or nuts
- Spicy or acidic foods that may cause irritation
- Sticky foods that could disrupt stitches or healing
Gradually reintroduce solid foods as your mouth heals and feels more comfortable.
4. Keep Your Mouth Clean, But Be Gentle
Maintaining oral hygiene is important to prevent infection, but you’ll need to be careful around the surgical area.
Oral Care Tips After Surgery:
- Avoid brushing near the surgery site for the first 24 hours.
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water (avoid vigorous swishing).
- Skip alcohol-based mouthwashes, as they can be too harsh on healing tissues.
Your dentist will let you know when it’s safe to return to your full oral hygiene routine.
5. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol During Recovery
Smoking and alcohol can significantly slow the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
- Smoking reduces blood flow to the gums, delaying recovery and increasing infection risk.
- Alcohol can interfere with healing and may interact with prescribed pain medications.
For the best recovery, avoid smoking and alcohol for at least one to two weeks after your surgery.
6. Contact Your Dentist if You Notice Unusual Symptoms
While some discomfort is normal after oral surgery, certain symptoms may indicate a problem that needs immediate attention.
Call Your Dentist if You Experience:
- Excessive bleeding that doesn’t stop after applying gentle pressure
- Severe or worsening pain that doesn’t improve with medication
- Signs of infection, such as fever, pus, or a bad taste in the mouth
- Numbness or tingling that doesn’t go away after anesthesia wears off
If you have any concerns during your recovery, don’t hesitate to reach out to California Dental Group for guidance.
Schedule Your Oral Surgery Consultation Today
Being well-prepared can make a big difference in your oral surgery experience. If you have questions or need to schedule a consultation, the team at California Dental Group is here to help. Call us today at 800-407-0161 to learn more and ensure a smooth, stress-free procedure!
