Oral surgeries, whether it’s a tooth extraction, dental implant placement, gum surgery, or bone graft, are vital for restoring oral health. After surgery, your body goes into healing mode, and caring for the post-surgical oral wound becomes crucial for preventing infection, reducing pain, and promoting smooth recovery.
At McLevin Dental in Scarborough, our goal is to make every stage of your dental journey comfortable and successful. This guide offers comprehensive tips to help you care for oral wounds after surgery so you can heal faster and safer.
Understanding the Oral Healing Process
The mouth is one of the fastest-healing areas of the body due to its rich blood supply. However, the moist environment also creates an ideal place for bacteria to thrive if wounds arent cared for properly.
Proper post-surgical wound care:
Reduces the risk of infection
Supports faster tissue repair
Minimizes swelling, pain, and complications like dry socket
Best Healing Tips for Oral Surgical Wounds
1. Protect the Blood Clot
After procedures like tooth extraction or gum surgery, the formation of a blood clot is essential for healing.
Avoid anything that could dislodge the clot, including:
Using straws
Smoking
Spitting forcefully
Vigorous rinsing
2. Follow a Gentle Cleaning Routine
Avoid brushing directly over the surgical site for the first 24 hours.
Resume brushing surrounding teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush the next day.
Use salt water rinses (1 tsp salt in 1 cup of warm water) after 24 hours to gently cleanse the mouth without disrupting healing.
3. Control Swelling Effectively
Apply a cold compress on the outside of your face near the surgical site for the first 2448 hours.
This reduces inflammation and eases discomfort.
4. Stick to Soft, Nutrient-Rich Foods
Eat soft foods like mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, yogurt, applesauce, and smoothies (without a straw).
Avoid hard, crunchy, spicy, or very hot foods that may irritate the wound.
5. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
Both severely delay healing, increase infection risk, and impair tissue repair.
Its recommended to avoid them for at least 72 hours, ideally longer.
6. Stay Well Hydrated
Drink plenty of water to aid the healing process.
Avoid caffeinated, sugary, or carbonated beverages for the first few days.
7. Use Pain and Antibiotics as Directed
Take prescribed medications exactly as advised.
Over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
8. Keep Head Elevated
Elevate your head when resting or sleeping during the first few nights.
This reduces blood flow to the surgical site, limiting swelling and discomfort.
9. Limit Physical Activity
Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and bending over for at least 4872 hours.
Rest allows your body to focus energy on wound healing.
Signs of Normal Healing vs. Complications
Normal Healing Includes:
Mild bleeding for the first few hours
Swelling peaking around 4872 hours, then decreasing
Bruising around cheeks or jaw
Soreness that improves daily
Contact McLevin Dental If You Notice:
Persistent or heavy bleeding after 24 hours
Pain that worsens after 3 days (possible dry socket)
Swelling that increases instead of decreases
Pus, bad taste, or foul odor from the wound
Fever, chills, or general feeling of illness
How Long Does Healing Take?
Initial soft tissue healing: 12 weeks
Complete tissue closure: 34 weeks for minor procedures, longer for major surgeries
Bone healing (if applicable): Several months
Your dentist at McLevin Dental will monitor healing through follow-up visits.
Long-Term Care for Oral Surgical Wounds
Maintain regular brushing and flossing (avoiding surgical sites as directed).
Use fluoride toothpaste to protect neighboring teeth.
Attend scheduled follow-ups to ensure the wound is healing properly.
Prioritize Comfort and Healing With McLevin Dental
Taking the right steps to care for oral surgical wounds ensures a faster, safer recovery with fewer complications. With gentle hygiene, proper nutrition, and close monitoring, youll heal comfortably and return to normal activities sooner.
At McLevin Dental in Scarborough, your comfort and successful recovery are always our top priorities. If you have any concerns about your healing process or questions about wound care, dont hesitate to reach out to our friendly dental team.