Post-Operative
Instructions

A smooth recovery after oral surgery starts with following the right aftercare instructions. Our dental team is here to help you heal comfortably, avoid complications like infection or dry socket, and know what to expect along the way. While every procedure is different, there are some general guidelines that apply to most oral surgeries. Before your procedure, we’ll walk you through your personalized aftercare instructions so you can feel confident and prepared for recovery.

Post-Operative
Instructions

A smooth recovery starts with proper aftercare. Following a few simple guidelines can help you heal comfortably and avoid complications. Before your procedure, our team will provide personalized instructions so you know what to expect

Immediately
After Your Procedure

Mild swelling, tenderness, and bleeding are common after oral surgery. Apply gentle pressure with gauze, use cold compresses, and get plenty of rest. Stick to soft foods and avoid smoking, alcohol, and strenuous activity. Take medications as prescribed and follow your dental team’s aftercare instructions to support a smooth recovery.

Control Bleeding

Apply gentle pressure with gauze to control bleeding and help form a clot.

Reduce Swelling

Use cold compresses during the first 24 hours to help reduce swelling.

Get Rest

Limit physical activity for 24 to 48 hours to allow your body to heal.

Eat Soft

Choose soft, cool foods that are gentle on your mouth as it heals.

Avoid Smoking

Avoid tobacco products to promote healing and prevent complications.

Follow Instructions

Follow your dental team’s aftercare directions for a smooth recovery.

Immediately
After Your Procedure

Mild swelling, tenderness, and bleeding are common after oral surgery. Apply gentle pressure with gauze, use cold compresses, and get plenty of rest. Stick to soft foods and avoid smoking, alcohol, and strenuous activity. Take medications as prescribed and follow your dental team’s aftercare instructions to support a smooth recovery.

Control
Bleeding

Apply gentle pressure with gauze to control bleeding and help form a clot.

Reduce
Swelling

Use cold compresses during the first 24 hours to help reduce swelling.

Get Rest

Limit physical activity for 24 to 48 hours to allow your body to heal.

Eat Soft

Choose soft, cool foods that are gentle on your mouth as it heals.

Avoid
Smoking

Avoid tobacco products to promote healing and prevent complications.

Follow
Instructions

Follow your dental team’s aftercare directions for a smooth recovery.

If You Were Sedated

Sedation medications can affect you for up to 24 hours after your procedure. During this time, avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing anything that requires your full attention. Mild nausea may occur but typically improves within a few hours. Sip clear liquids to stay hydrated, and wait until your stomach feels settled before eating. Always follow your dental team’s specific recovery instructions.

If You Were Sedated

Sedation medications can affect you for up to 24 hours after your procedure. During this time, avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing anything that requires your full attention. Mild nausea may occur but typically improves within a few hours. Sip clear liquids to stay hydrated, and wait until your stomach feels settled before eating. Always follow your dental team’s specific recovery instructions.

Aftercare for
Specific Procedures

Every oral surgery is different, and so is the healing process. Depending on your treatment, you may experience different symptoms or need additional care. Our dental team will provide specific instructions to help you recover safely and comfortably.

Sedation

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Sedation can leave you feeling tired, dizzy, or less alert for several hours. Have a responsible adult drive you home and stay with you as instructed. If you received oral or IV sedation, avoid driving, alcohol, operating machinery, or making important decisions for at least 24 hours. Rest, stay hydrated, and eat light foods when you’re ready. Follow any additional instructions provided by your dental team.

Extractions

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After an extraction, gently bite on gauze as directed to help control bleeding and allow a protective blood clot to form. Avoid straws, smoking, vigorous rinsing, and spitting for at least 24 hours to reduce the risk of dry socket. Choose soft foods, rest, and use cold compresses to manage swelling. After 24 hours, gentle saltwater rinses may help keep the area clean, unless your dentist advises otherwise.

Implants

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Some swelling, tenderness, and minor bleeding are normal following dental implant placement. Use cold compresses, eat soft foods, and avoid chewing directly on the implant site. Keep the area clean without disturbing the surgical tissue, and avoid smoking and strenuous activity during early healing. Take prescribed medications as directed and attend follow-up visits so your dental team can monitor healing.

Sinus Lifts

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Protecting your sinuses is especially important after a sinus lift. Avoid blowing your nose, using straws, smoking, or creating pressure in your mouth and nose until your surgeon says it’s safe. If you need to sneeze, keep your mouth open. Rest with your head elevated, eat soft foods, and avoid strenuous activity. Take medications as prescribed and contact your dental team if you experience persistent nasal bleeding or unusual swelling.

Bone Grafts

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Following a bone graft, avoid touching or disturbing the surgical area while new bone begins to develop. Mild swelling, tenderness, and small amounts of graft material in your mouth may occur. Stick to soft foods, avoid chewing near the site, and refrain from smoking or vigorous rinsing during early recovery. Follow your dental team’s cleaning instructions and attend scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing.

Aftercare for
Specific Procedures

Every oral surgery is different, and so is the healing process. Depending on your treatment, you may experience different symptoms or need additional care. Our dental team will provide specific instructions to help you recover safely and comfortably.

Sedation

Read more

Sedation can leave you feeling tired, dizzy, or less alert for several hours. Have a responsible adult drive you home and stay with you as instructed. If you received oral or IV sedation, avoid driving, alcohol, operating machinery, or making important decisions for at least 24 hours. Rest, stay hydrated, and eat light foods when you’re ready. Follow any additional instructions provided by your dental team.

Extractions

Read more

After an extraction, gently bite on gauze as directed to help control bleeding and allow a protective blood clot to form. Avoid straws, smoking, vigorous rinsing, and spitting for at least 24 hours to reduce the risk of dry socket. Choose soft foods, rest, and use cold compresses to manage swelling. After 24 hours, gentle saltwater rinses may help keep the area clean, unless your dentist advises otherwise.

Implants

Read more

Some swelling, tenderness, and minor bleeding are normal following dental implant placement. Use cold compresses, eat soft foods, and avoid chewing directly on the implant site. Keep the area clean without disturbing the surgical tissue, and avoid smoking and strenuous activity during early healing. Take prescribed medications as directed and attend follow-up visits so your dental team can monitor healing.

Sinus Lifts

Read more

Protecting your sinuses is especially important after a sinus lift. Avoid blowing your nose, using straws, smoking, or creating pressure in your mouth and nose until your surgeon says it’s safe. If you need to sneeze, keep your mouth open. Rest with your head elevated, eat soft foods, and avoid strenuous activity. Take medications as prescribed and contact your dental team if you experience persistent nasal bleeding or unusual swelling.

Bone Grafts

Read more

Following a bone graft, avoid touching or disturbing the surgical area while new bone begins to develop. Mild swelling, tenderness, and small amounts of graft material in your mouth may occur. Stick to soft foods, avoid chewing near the site, and refrain from smoking or vigorous rinsing during early recovery. Follow your dental team’s cleaning instructions and attend scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing.

3098 Highway 17 N
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466

Phone
843-881-1418

3098 Highway 17 N
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466

Phone
843-881-1418

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