Aftercare after oral surgery

Basic instructions after oral surgery:

At Oasis Dental we perform many surgical procedures in the mouth. The most common are placing one or more dental implants and tooth extractions. We also perform microsurgical procedures to treat gum recession, surgical procedures for periodontal disease and others.

After surgical procedures in the mouth it is very important to follow the instructions to ensure the best possible recovery and reduce the risk of complications. Below are some general guidelines to follow after oral surgery:

1. Allow enough time to rest and recover after the procedure. In the first hours after the procedure and on the following day, avoid physical exertion and activities that could increase bleeding and cause pain.
2. Avoid warm and hot drinks and food. On the day of the procedure, have only cold drinks and soft food that does not require hard chewing. Cold or iced food reduces blood flow and swelling after the procedure. We recommend ice cream, which you can hold in your mouth until it melts – this additionally cools the wound area.
3. Use cold compresses. In the first 4–8 hours after the procedure, it is important to cool the area well from the outside as well. The more you cool, the less swelling there will be. We recommend taking something frozen from the freezer, wrapping it in a cloth and applying it. Cooling gel packs warm up very quickly, so they are less suitable or need to be changed frequently.
4. Maintain good oral hygiene during recovery. Avoid the wound area with your toothbrush, but clean the other teeth as usual. We advise against mouthwashes containing alcohol after the procedure, as they can irritate and inflame the wound. If we have advised a CHX (chlorhexidine) mouthwash, use it twice a day (or as instructed). Do not eat or drink for 20–30 minutes after rinsing.
5. You can take painkillers to relieve pain. It is important to keep to the prescribed doses and timing. We usually prescribe 400 mg ibuprofen tablets – a healthy adult without other conditions or medication can usually take up to 6 a day. If pain persists, you can also take paracetamol in addition to ibuprofen (e.g. Lekadol, Daleron) as directed.
6. Some bleeding after the procedure is normal, but contact us if the bleeding increases. If the bleeding does not stop, an additional procedure may be needed.
7. Avoid smoking and alcohol during recovery, as they can worsen wound inflammation and slow down healing.
8. If any unusual symptoms appear, such as fever, swelling or severe pain, contact us immediately.

Following these instructions can help you recover faster and without complications after oral surgery. If you have any problems, please call us on +386 51 649 647.