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Oral surgery can be an important step toward better health, whether it involves removing wisdom teeth, placing dental implants, or another procedure. But surgery is only one part of the process. Proper aftercare at home plays a major role in how smoothly you recover.
From how you sleep to how you clean your mouth, every step matters. Knowing what to do — and what to avoid — can help reduce discomfort, prevent complications, and ensure your healing stays on track.
Why Aftercare Matters
After oral surgery, the body begins healing immediately. Following aftercare instructions supports this natural process by:
- Reducing the risk of infection: Good hygiene prevents bacteria from interfering with healing.
- Protecting the surgical site: Careful sleep positions and eating habits reduce irritation.
- Supporting faster recovery: Rest, hydration, and nutrition help tissues rebuild.
- Preventing complications: Early attention to warning signs avoids bigger problems later.
Patients who stick to aftercare guidelines tend to experience less discomfort and heal more quickly.
Sleep After Oral Surgery
Getting enough rest is essential, but your sleep position can affect recovery.
- Sleep elevated: Use pillows to keep your head raised, which reduces swelling and bleeding.
- Avoid lying flat: This may increase blood flow to the surgical area and prolong discomfort.
- Protect the site: Avoid sleeping on the side of your face where surgery was performed.
- Rest consistently: Aim for at least 7–9 hours of sleep each night to support healing.
Good sleep habits allow the body to focus on repairing tissue, reducing pain, and rebuilding strength.
Oral Hygiene After Surgery
Keeping your mouth clean after oral surgery is important, but it requires extra care to avoid disturbing the healing site.
- Avoid brushing near the surgical area for the first 24 hours.
- After the first day, gently brush surrounding teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Rinse with warm salt water (½ teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of water) several times a day, especially after meals.
- Avoid commercial mouthwashes, which may irritate tissues.
- Be gentle: Vigorous rinsing or spitting can dislodge protective blood clots.
Maintaining careful hygiene reduces the risk of infection and supports faster recovery.
Eating and Drinking
What you eat and drink matters just as much as how you clean your mouth.
- Choose soft foods: Yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and smoothies (without straws) are gentle choices.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Avoid hot foods and drinks: Heat may increase bleeding or swelling.
- Skip crunchy or spicy foods: These can irritate or disrupt the surgical site.
- Do not use straws: Suction can cause dry socket, a painful complication.
Gradually reintroduce normal foods as your comfort improves, following your provider’s recommendations.
Managing Discomfort
Some soreness and swelling are normal after oral surgery, but there are ways to make recovery more comfortable:
- Apply ice packs to the outside of the face in 15-minute intervals.
- Take prescribed or recommended over-the-counter pain medication as directed.
- Rest as much as possible during the first few days.
- Follow all instructions regarding antibiotics or other prescriptions.
Most discomfort improves within a few days, but proper management makes the process easier.
When to Call a Professional
While most patients recover without complications, it’s important to know when to reach out for help. Contact your oral surgeon if you experience:
- Excessive bleeding that doesn’t slow after gentle pressure.
- Severe or increasing pain after the first few days.
- Swelling that worsens instead of improving.
- Fever, chills, or signs of infection.
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
- Numbness that persists beyond the normal recovery period.
Prompt attention ensures small issues don’t become bigger concerns.
Tips for a Smoother Recovery
Beyond the basics, these tips can help make your recovery even smoother:
- Plan ahead: Prepare your home with soft foods, extra pillows, and medication before surgery.
- Limit activity: Avoid heavy lifting, bending, or strenuous exercise for at least a few days.
- Don’t smoke: Smoking slows healing and increases the risk of complications.
- Follow instructions closely: Every procedure is different, so follow the exact guidelines given to you.
The little details add up to a more comfortable and efficient healing process.
Supporting a Healthy Recovery
Recovering from oral surgery doesn’t have to be stressful. By following good sleep habits, maintaining gentle hygiene, and knowing when to seek help, you can give your body the best chance to heal quickly and comfortably.
If you’re preparing for oral surgery and want guidance on what to expect before and after treatment, the team at Babston Oral Surgery is here to help. We provide clear instructions, advanced care, and compassionate support to make every step of recovery easier. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.