Oral surgery, whether it involves dental implants, gum grafts, extractions, bone grafting, or sinus lifts, plays a vital role in restoring and maintaining your oral health. After any dental surgery, comfort-focused care is crucial for faster healing, pain management, and complication prevention.
At McLevin Dental in Scarborough, we provide personalized post-surgical care instructions to ensure your healing journey is smooth and stress-free. This comprehensive guide offers comfort strategies for post-surgical dental patients to help you recover quickly while minimizing discomfort.
Immediate Post-Surgery Comfort Tips
?? Rest with Your Head Elevated
Keep your head propped up with 23 pillows or rest in a recliner.
This helps reduce swelling and throbbing.
?? Use Cold Compresses (First 2448 Hours)
Apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the surgical area on your cheek.
Use it for 1520 minutes on, 20 minutes off to minimize swelling and numb soreness.
?? Avoid Touching the Surgical Site
Do not poke, prod, or check the surgical area with your tongue or fingers.
Let the area heal undisturbed.
Pain Management Tips
Use prescribed pain relievers or over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed by McLevin Dental.
Stick to a regular schedule rather than waiting for pain to return.
Transition to warm compresses after 48 hours if jaw stiffness persists.
Eating Comfortably After Dental Surgery
?? Stick to Soft, Nutrient-Rich Foods
Examples include yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoothies (without straws), and oatmeal.
?? Avoid
Crunchy foods (chips, toast)
Chewy foods (bagels, tough meat)
Spicy, acidic, or very hot foods
?? Chew on the Opposite Side
Protect the surgical area by using the opposite side of your mouth for chewing when possible.
Oral Hygiene for Comfort and Healing
Brush the non-surgical areas gently twice a day.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid the surgical site until cleared by your dentist.
Begin saltwater rinses (½ teaspoon salt in 1 cup warm water) after 24 hours, rinsing 23 times daily to soothe tissues and reduce bacteria.
Activities to Avoid for Maximum Comfort
No smoking or vaping: Significantly delays healing.
Avoid strenuous exercise for 35 days, which can increase swelling and bleeding.
Do not use straws or create suction, as this can disrupt blood clots, especially after extractions or grafting.
Refrain from spitting forcefully.
Managing Dry Mouth and Discomfort
Sip water frequently to stay hydrated.
Use sugar-free lozenges or saliva substitutes if dry mouth occurs due to medications or limited chewing.
Monitor for Signs of Trouble
Contact McLevin Dental immediately if you experience:
Persistent bleeding beyond 24 hours.
Swelling that worsens after 35 days.
Severe or sharp pain not relieved by medication.
Pus, foul odor, fever, or signs of infection.
A feeling that stitches or grafts are loose or exposed.
Healing Milestones for Comfort
Day 12: Swelling peaks; focus on ice and rest.
Day 35: Swelling begins to subside; switch to warm compresses if needed.
Week 12: Most tenderness, bruising, and swelling significantly reduce.
Week 24: Full soft tissue healing progresses.
Bone grafts and implants may take 36 months for full integration, but discomfort should not persist.
Long-Term Comfort Practices
Continue with gentle oral care using soft tools.
Maintain regular dental checkups for monitoring.
Use a nightguard if you grind your teeth to protect new dental work.
Stay hydrated and eat a balanced, soft diet during early recovery.
Trust McLevin Dental for a Comfortable Healing Experience
At McLevin Dental in Scarborough, we care about your comfort as much as your oral health. Our experienced team provides comprehensive post-surgical support, ensuring that your recovery is smooth, safe, and comfortable.
If you have questions or concerns about your post-surgical recovery, dont hesitate to contact our friendly and knowledgeable team. Were here to help you heal comfortably and confidently, with a healthy, lasting smile.