Post-Operation Instructions
Your recovery deserves the same level of care and precision as the procedure itself. At Utah Facial & Oral Surgery, our responsibility to you doesn’t end when your surgery concludes. These post-operative instructions are designed to guide your healing, reduce complications, and help you return to comfort as efficiently and safely as possible. While each procedure is unique, these guidelines reflect the highest standards of care and are tailored to support a smooth recovery.
Immediate Post-Surgery Care
Please arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you to your procedure and remain with you for at least 24 hours afterward. You may feel drowsy, disoriented, or fatigued after anesthesia. For your safety, do not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions during this time.
After returning home, your only job is to rest. Find a quiet space to relax, and keep your head elevated using several pillows or a recliner. This position helps reduce swelling and supports blood flow. Avoid screens or anything that demands focus—your body and mind need time to recover. Strenuous activity should be avoided for at least the first 24 hours, and ideally until your surgeon clears you to move forward. If you experience any dizziness or nausea, remain seated or reclined until symptoms subside.
Discomfort and mild swelling are natural parts of the healing process. Begin pain management as instructed—typically before the numbness wears off—to stay ahead of the discomfort. Use prescribed medications exactly as directed and avoid taking additional doses or over-the-counter supplements unless cleared by our team. Many patients benefit from alternating prescription medications with ibuprofen to manage inflammation.
Swelling often increases during the first 48 hours and then gradually subsides. Apply a cold compress wrapped in a soft cloth to the area in 20-minute intervals. Do not apply ice directly to the skin. We recommend sleeping with your head elevated to assist with drainage and reduce fluid buildup. If you notice swelling continues beyond the third day or increases rapidly, contact our office right away.
Slight bleeding is expected for the first day. Once you leave our office with your trusted caretaker, you’ll be given sterile gauze to apply gentle pressure to the surgical site. Bite down on the gauze firmly for 30–45 minutes without talking or moving your jaw. If bleeding persists, replace it with a new moist gauze pad and continue applying gentle pressure.
Avoid all behaviors that could dislodge the clot—including spitting, drinking through straws, smoking, or vigorous rinsing. These actions may increase your risk for dry socket, a painful condition that requires additional treatment. If bleeding becomes heavy or doesn’t taper within a few hours, contact our office promptly for guidance.
Nutrition plays a significant role in recovery, but you’ll need to modify your diet at first. For the initial 48 hours, choose foods that are cool, smooth, and nourishing. Options like applesauce, mashed potatoes, yogurt, and smoothies provide energy without irritating the site. Take small bites and chew away from the surgical area.
Stay well-hydrated by sipping water frequently throughout the day. Do not use straws, as the suction may interfere with healing. Avoid hot, spicy, acidic, or crunchy foods until cleared by your surgeon. Alcohol and caffeine can delay healing and should be avoided during this period as well.
Introduce more texture gradually, based on how you feel and your surgeon’s guidance. If you’re unsure about a particular food or beverage, err on the side of caution or give us a call.
Cleanliness is critical to preventing infection—but it must be done gently. You may begin brushing your teeth the morning after surgery, taking care to avoid the surgical site. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild toothpaste, and brush slowly to prevent disturbing any clot or sutures.
Rinse your mouth several times daily with warm salt water, particularly after meals. Mix ½ teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water and gently let the solution roll through your mouth before allowing it to drain. Avoid commercial mouthwashes unless you’ve been directed to use a prescribed medicated rinse. Good hygiene supports healing, reduces complications, and promotes a more comfortable recovery.
Your body needs rest to rebuild. For the first 3 to 5 days after surgery, avoid any activity that raises your heart rate or blood pressure. This includes exercise, housework, or bending over. Overexertion may result in renewed bleeding or swelling.
After this initial period, light activity may resume as tolerated. Walks are encouraged to support circulation, but ease back into your routine gradually. Full return to strenuous exercise should only happen after receiving clearance from your surgeon.
All medications—prescribed or over-the-counter—should be taken exactly as directed. This includes pain relievers, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, or medicated rinses. If an antibiotic is prescribed, it is essential to complete the entire course, even if you feel better before it’s finished. This helps prevent infection and antibiotic resistance.
If side effects develop—such as rash, nausea, dizziness, or gastrointestinal issues—stop the medication and call our office. We can help adjust your regimen safely.
Follow-Up and Monitoring
A follow-up visit may be necessary to remove sutures, assess healing, or evaluate implant sites. We will confirm your follow-up schedule before you go home from treatment. In the meantime, monitor your recovery closely.
Call us immediately if you notice any of the following:
- Pain not relieved by medication
- Persistent bleeding or foul odor
- Swelling that worsens after the third day
- Fever or signs of infection
Your healing process is important to us, and early intervention can prevent complications.
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We’re Here to Support You
Healing is shaped by your body’s unique response and the quality of care you receive along the way. At Utah Facial & Oral Surgery, we are proud to offer not only world-class surgical expertise but also a continuous commitment to your comfort and well-being.
We encourage you to contact us with any concerns during recovery, no matter how small they may seem. Our team is prepared to answer questions, address symptoms, and provide reassurance when you need it most. Thank you for placing your trust in us—we are honored to be your partners in healing.