Surgical Instructions at Hehr Oral Surgery

After Dental Implant Surgery

Post-operative care is key to the long-term success of your dental implants. Follow these instructions to support healing and implant integration.

• Avoid Disturbing the Surgical Site. A metal healing abutment may be visible—this is normal.
• Bleeding: Slight bleeding is normal for 24 hours. If persistent, bite on gauze for 30 minutes.
• Swelling: Use ice packs continuously for the first 36 hours.
• Diet: Stick to soft, cool foods. Hydrate well. Avoid hot or spicy foods.
• Pain Control: Start pain meds as the numbness wears off. Use Tylenol or Ibuprofen as directed. Avoid alcohol and machinery.
• Antibiotics: Take as prescribed to prevent infection.
• Oral Hygiene: Use Peridex rinse starting the night of surgery. Add warm salt water rinses 4–5 times a day.
• Physical Activity: Limit exertion for the first few days to reduce swelling or bleeding.
• Prosthetics: Avoid wearing partials or dentures for at least 10 days, unless advised otherwise.

After Exposure of an Impacted Tooth

Proper care following the exposure of an impacted tooth—often related to canine teeth—can reduce complications and ensure proper alignment.

• Wound Care: Do not disturb the area. Leave any surgical packing in place.
• Bleeding: Manage with gauze pressure; call if persistent.
• Swelling: Apply ice packs for up to 36 hours.
• Pain Relief & Hygiene: Same as dental implant care.
• Activity & Diet: Keep soft and hydrate; avoid physical stress.

After Single Tooth Extraction

Whether you’ve had a single tooth removed or several, proper post-extraction care is critical for healing and avoiding complications like dry socket.

• Form a Clot: Bite on gauze for 30–45 minutes. Replace if bleeding continues.
• Avoid Disturbance: No rinsing, smoking, spitting, alcohol, or straws for 72 hours.
• Swelling: Use ice packs for 48 hours.
• Pain Relief: Take prescribed medications. Call if pain is unmanageable.
• Oral Hygiene: Resume brushing/flossing after 24 hours, avoiding the extraction site.
• Diet: Start with soft foods. Hydrate well.
• Watch for: Heavy bleeding, worsening pain, or swelling after 2–3 days.

After Multiple Extractions

Multiple extractions require specific post-op steps to reduce bleeding, manage swelling, and protect newly placed dentures. 

• Bleeding: Use gauze or moistened black tea bags if necessary.
• Denture Care: Do not remove immediate dentures unless bleeding is severe.
• Swelling: Apply ice packs for 36 hours. Switch to moist heat after that.
• Pain & Diet: Follow medication instructions. Start with liquids and transition to soft food.
• Side Effects: Sore throat, dry lips, or slight fever are normal. Moisturize lips and monitor your temperature.
• Oral Care: Rinse with warm salt water after 24 hours and after meals. Clean dentures regularly.

After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth removal is a common oral surgery. Recovery can be smooth with careful attention to bleeding, swelling, and diet.

• Gauze Pad: Keep in place for 30 minutes after surgery.
• Bleeding Control: Use gauze or tea bags if needed.
• Swelling Management: Apply ice to cheeks for the first 36 hours. Switch to heat after.
• Pain: Use Ibuprofen or Tylenol. For severe pain, use prescribed meds. Avoid alcohol and driving.
• Diet: Begin with liquids, no straws. Gradually reintroduce soft foods.
• Oral Hygiene: Start warm salt rinses on the second day, 5–6 times daily.
• Other Concerns:
  
  • Discoloration of skin is normal and resolves with heat.
  • Numbness of the lips or tongue is usually temporary.
  • Sore throat or jaw stiffness may occur for 2–3 days.
  • Dry Socket: Pain 2–3 days after surgery may signal this—call our office.