If you’re experiencing pain:

It's common to experience some discomfort following oral surgery. Usually, you'll have a prescription for pain relief medication. It's recommended to take your first dose before the numbing from the anesthesia wears off, helping you better manage the discomfort. Everyone responds differently to pain medication - some people might need to take two doses initially to manage the pain effectively (although this may increase the risk of an upset stomach). It's important to remember that the most intense discomfort typically occurs within the first six hours after the anesthesia wears off. After this period, you should find that your need for pain relief medication decreases.

Post-Surgery Swelling:

It's completely normal to notice some swelling after your operation. Typically, it shows up on the first day and might even increase a bit on the second. But don't worry, by day three it should start to go down, and in about 3 to 5 days, you won't even notice it. Want to reduce it faster? Just apply some ice to your face near the operation area for half an hour, and repeat this 3-4 times a day for the first two days. After this, swap out the ice for a warm compress, again repeating 3-4 times a day for 30 minutes. Remember, it's normal if the puffiness appears more pronounced when you wake up in the morning - that's just due to fluid build-up while lying down. The swelling might spread a little, maybe up towards your eye, or down towards your neck, but that's nothing unusual. Just to be safe, try to avoid any exercise for the first 48-72 hours after your oral surgery.

If you are bleeding:

For the first day, avoid habits such as smoking, spitting, and using a straw as these can trigger bleeding. Some bleeding for the first day or two is normal. However, if it seems excessive, use a folded gauze pad over the affected area and apply pressure by biting down for 30 minutes. If necessary, add another gauze pad for more pressure. Heavy bleeding is not typical. It might indicate that you're biting on the gauze instead of applying pressure to the surgical site. Try to reposition a new gauze pack for better effectiveness. Alternatively, you can use a damp tea bag (steeped in hot water and wrapped in wet gauze) and apply it to the area for 20-30 minutes to control bleeding. Before you apply pressure, ensure to remove any large coagulated blood clots. If these steps don't manage the bleeding or it becomes severe, do not hesitate to contact our office.

Food:

Preserving the right nourishment is crucial when you're on your recovery path. Initially, you might find consuming liquids or soft foods more soothing. However, it's key to return to your regular food habits promptly. Just remember to refrain from biting down where the surgical procedure was done.

If you are feeling nauseated:

Feeling nauseated or queasy can happen post-surgery, often due to the strong painkillers. To lessen this, try having a little soft food before taking your medication, followed by drinking lots of water. Sipping clear fluids and reducing your intake of painkillers can also help. You can also try sipping on flat cola drinks, as these could potentially ease your nausea. If you're still not feeling well or are frequently throwing up, please reach out to us.

Increased Temperature:

After removing impacted wisdom teeth or undergoing other major oral surgery, you might experience a small rise in body temperature during the initial couple of days. However, if this raised temperature continues, don't hesitate to reach out to us.