Follow Our Post-Op Instructions in Greater New York & Jersey City

Recovery after an oral surgery procedure doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. Our team provides detailed, easy-to-follow post-op instructions in Greater New York and Jersey City that guide you through each stage of healing. We understand that the hours and days following your surgery are critical for a successful outcome, which is why we’ve developed clear guidelines to support your recovery journey.

Have questions about your recovery? Don’t wait – call our office today at 212-918-1859 (New York) or 201-877-5965 (Hoboken). Our caring team is ready to help you through every step of your healing process.

Make Sure Your Healing Goes Smoothly

Your comfort and proper healing are our top priorities. Please review these detailed instructions carefully to ensure a smooth recovery process.

  • Bleeding – Bleeding will be under control by the time you leave our office. Some oozing or blood-tinged saliva may persist for up to 24 hours. Should excessive bleeding occur, it may be controlled with pressure. Apply a folded gauze pad over the area and bite firmly for 30 minutes. This may be repeated if necessary. Sleeping with the head of your bed elevated above the level of the heart for the first two post-operative nights will minimize bleeding and swelling.
  • Pain – Pain is best controlled by your prescribed medications. They are most effective when taken before the local anesthesia diminishes and normal sensation returns to the area. Do not take pain pills on an empty stomach. Over-the-counter pain medication should alleviate most pain and should be taken throughout your recovery. Narcotic pain medication such as codeine or hydrocodone may cause nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, itching, or constipation. If these side effects occur, discontinue the medication. You may take an alternative over-the-counter pain medication if necessary, or call our office for assistance.
  • Swelling – Swelling may occur immediately and/or increase gradually over 24–48 hours. Swelling from the surgical procedure will reach its maximum at 48–72 hours. Ice packs applied externally to the area at 20-minute intervals throughout the day of surgery may help control swelling.
  • Nausea – Nausea may result from anesthesia or the prescribed pain medications. Drinking a small glass of a carbonated beverage will generally control mild nausea.
  • Diet – Soft foods and liquids will be required for 2–3 days following surgery. Avoid hot, spicy foods. Do not drink through a straw or smoke (if you do) for at least 24 hours. If you had surgery on only one side of the mouth, favor the other side while chewing for the first few days.
  • Oral Hygiene – Oral hygiene should not be neglected. Brush your teeth as usual (avoiding the surgical area) and rinse with warm salt water after each meal beginning the morning after surgery.
  • Activity – Avoid rinsing, spitting, or drinking with a straw for 24 hours following surgery. Activity should be restricted to a minimum for the first 2–3 days. To minimize stiffness and stimulate circulation, exercise your jaw periodically by opening and closing. Restricted jaw opening can occur and usually requires 7–14 days to return to normal. Strenuous work or exercise may promote bleeding. If you have had a general anesthetic or sedation, you must be accompanied home by a responsible adult and remain under supervision for 24 hours. Under no circumstances should you drive a car or operate heavy machinery for at least 24 hours.
  • Fever – After surgery, it is normal for the body temperature to be slightly elevated for 24 hours.
  • Side Effects – Side effects such as earache, hiccups, temporary ache of adjacent teeth, restricted mouth opening, stretching or cracking at the corners of the mouth, or discoloration of the skin may occur postoperatively. These are temporary conditions which will improve as healing progresses.
  • A Black and Blue Mark – A black and blue mark and soreness occasionally develop in the area of the intravenous injection. For arm soreness, place a warm, moist cloth over the area. If this persists, contact our office.
  • Numbness of the Lips and Tongue – Numbness of the lip and tongue occasionally follows surgery. This condition is usually temporary and no cause for alarm. Please contact our office so this can be discussed with your doctor.
  • Bony Edges – After teeth are extracted, you may feel hard projections in the area and think they are pieces of tooth. These are usually small pieces of bone that once surrounded the roots of the tooth. They generally work themselves out and the problem resolves. If not, return to our office for their simple removal.
  • Emergencies – Please feel free to contact our office regarding any unusual occurrences or questions. The doctor can always be reached for emergencies (such as profuse bleeding, uncontrolled pain, persistent nausea, and prolonged elevated temperature).

For best results, follow our post-op instructions in Greater New York and Jersey City. Call either of our offices today at 212-918-1859 (New York) or 201-877-5965 (Hoboken) if you have any questions.

Post-Operation