Oral surgery can take more out of you than you expect. Your mouth feels tender, your energy is low, and you may be unsure about what’s normal and what’s not. The way you care for yourself after surgery plays a major role in how quickly and comfortably you recover. The right steps can reduce pain, prevent complications, and help you get back to eating and talking with confidence. Below are five practical aftercare tips you can start using immediately. They focus on protecting the surgical area, easing discomfort, preventing infection, and knowing when it’s time to call your prosthodontist in Surprise, AZ. Each tip is simple. Together, they support steady healing and lower the risk of setbacks.
1. Guard the blood clot at all costs
After oral surgery, your body forms a blood clot over the treated area. That clot is essential. It protects the bone and nerves underneath and allows healing to begin. If it comes loose, healing slows and pain can increase, often leading to dry socket. For the first few days, don’t spit and let saliva drip out instead. Do not use straws or anything that creates suction. Avoid smoking or vaping completely. Keep your tongue and fingers away from the surgical site. Your surgeon likely placed gauze over the area. Bite down gently for the recommended time. If bleeding continues, replace the gauze as instructed. Light oozing during the first day is common. Heavy bleeding that doesn’t ease is not. If you’re soaking through gauze or feel concerned, call the office right away.
2. Control swelling and pain with a plan
Swelling and soreness are normal after surgery, but they don’t have to control your day. The key is to stay ahead of the pain. Take prescribed medications exactly as directed. If advised, use over-the-counter pain relievers on schedule. Start medication before numbness fully wears off. Apply an ice pack to the outside of your cheek for 15 minutes, then rest for 15 minutes. Always wrap ice in a cloth to protect your skin. Pay attention to how your pain changes. Many people notice improvement after the second or third day. If pain increases instead of easing, or if swelling worsens after day three, contact your dental office, as these changes can signal infection or a healing issue.
3. Choose soft foods and stay hydrated
Even if you don’t feel hungry, your body needs calories and fluids to repair tissue. Stick with soft, cool, easy-to-swallow foods that won’t disturb the surgical area. Good options include plain yogurt, applesauce, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, lukewarm soups, and protein shakes eaten with a spoon. Avoid crunchy, spicy, or hot foods. Skip alcohol completely while healing, especially if you’re taking medication. Always chew on the side opposite the surgery. If both sides were treated, stick to foods you can swallow without chewing until your provider says otherwise.
4. Keep your mouth clean without disturbing healing
A clean mouth heals better, but aggressive cleaning can cause harm early on. For the first 24 hours, do not rinse unless told to do so. After that, use warm salt water if approved by your provider. Mix one cup of warm water with half a teaspoon of salt. Gently move the water around your mouth and let it fall out instead of spitting forcefully. Continue brushing the teeth that were not involved in surgery using a soft toothbrush. Move carefully near the treated area. If you were given a medicated rinse, use it exactly as instructed and avoid eating or drinking afterward. Call your dental office if you notice a strong bad smell or taste, yellow or green drainage, increasing swelling after day three, or fever.
5. Rest, take it easy, and know when to call
Healing takes energy, so give your body the downtime it needs. Sleep with your head elevated for the first two nights. Avoid strenuous exercise, bending, or heavy lifting for at least three days. Take short, gentle walks to keep circulation moving. It’s also normal to feel anxious or frustrated after surgery. Talk with family members and ask questions during follow-up visits. Call your prosthodontist or surgeon right away if you experience bleeding that doesn’t improve after 24 hours, pain that worsens instead of improving, fever or chills, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or swelling that spreads toward the eye or neck.
Support your healing from day one
Aftercare isn’t optional. It’s part of the treatment itself. When you protect the clot, manage pain correctly, eat the right foods, keep your mouth clean, and allow yourself to rest, you create the best conditions for recovery. Keep your post-surgery instructions nearby and follow them closely. If something doesn’t feel right or you’re unsure what to do next, contact your prosthodontist in Surprise, AZ. Healing works best when it’s a team effort, with you handling care at home and your dental team guiding you until you return to normal routines with comfort and confidence.
