Dental surgerieswhether it’s tooth extraction, dental implant placement, gum grafting, bone grafts, or sinus liftsare designed to improve your oral health. However, proper post-surgical mouth care is crucial to ensure successful healing, prevent infections, and minimize discomfort.
At McLevin Dental in Scarborough, we provide comprehensive care instructions to help patients recover smoothly. This guide walks you through the best practices for post-surgical mouth care, empowering you to take charge of your recovery.
Why Post-Surgical Mouth Care Matters
Excellent aftercare prevents complications such as:
Infection
Dry socket (after extractions)
Implant failure
Prolonged swelling or bleeding
Delayed healing
Proper care helps your gums, bone, and soft tissues regenerate and recover as quickly as possible.
Essential Post-Surgical Mouth Care Tips
1. Control Bleeding
Minor bleeding is normal for the first 24 hours.
Bite gently on gauze provided for 3060 minutes.
Avoid spitting, sucking, or rinsing during this time to allow blood clots to form.
2. Manage Swelling
Apply a cold compress (ice pack) to the outside of your face for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off during the first 2448 hours.
Switch to warm compresses after 48 hours to help with residual swelling or stiffness.
3. Protect the Surgical Site
Do not disturb the surgical area with your fingers, tongue, or toothbrush.
Avoid sucking motions (no straws, no smoking) for at least 57 days, especially after extractions or grafts.
4. Maintain Gentle Oral Hygiene
Continue brushing the non-surgical areas twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Begin warm saltwater rinses (½ teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water) 24 hours post-surgery, rinsing gently 23 times a day, especially after meals.
Avoid mouthwash with alcohol, as it can irritate healing tissues.
5. Eat Soft, Nourishing Foods
Stick to soft foods such as:
Mashed potatoes
Scrambled eggs
Yogurt
Applesauce
Smoothies (without straws)
Soup (lukewarm)
Avoid crunchy, spicy, hot, or acidic foods that can irritate the surgical site.
6. Take Medications as Prescribed
Follow your dentists instructions for antibiotics, pain relievers, or anti-inflammatory medications.
7. Get Plenty of Rest
Avoid vigorous exercise, heavy lifting, or bending for the first 35 days.
Sleep with your head elevated to reduce swelling.
What to Avoid After Dental Surgery
Smoking and vaping: Dramatically slow healing and increase infection risk.
Alcohol: Can irritate tissues and interfere with medications.
Hot beverages and foods: Can dislodge clots and cause discomfort.
Hard or sticky foods: Risk damaging sutures or disrupting healing.
When to Contact McLevin Dental
Call us immediately if you experience:
Excessive bleeding beyond 24 hours
Swelling that worsens instead of improves after 34 days
Severe pain not controlled by medication
Signs of infection (pus, foul taste, fever, chills)
Loose sutures or complications at the surgical site
How Long Does Healing Take?
Soft tissue healing: Typically 12 weeks
Bone healing (for implants, grafts, sinus lifts): 36 months
Full recovery time varies based on the type of surgery but improves significantly within the first week to ten days for most soft tissue procedures.
Long-Term Care After Dental Surgery
Once healing is underway, resume regular brushing and flossing with gentle techniques.
Attend all follow-up visits at McLevin Dental to monitor healing.
Consider using a water flosser for gentle cleaning if recommended.
Maintain professional cleanings every 6 months, or more frequently if advised.
Trust McLevin Dental for Safe, Comfortable Healing
At McLevin Dental in Scarborough, our commitment doesnt stop after surgery. We provide thorough aftercare guidance, ongoing support, and personalized advice to ensure your recovery is smooth and successful.
If you have any concerns about your post-surgical healing or need further advice on mouth care, contact our team. Were here to help you heal comfortably and maintain your oral health for years to come.