How much pain is there after oral surgery?
How much pain is there in children having oral surgery?
Will I have any swelling?
What can I eat after surgery?
How soon can I get back to exercise?
When can I return to work or school?
Can I travel after surgery?
When can I see my dentist for cleaning or other treatment after surgery?
When can I begin to wear my night guard, invisalign, or other retainers after surgery?
What should I expect for my overall recovery?
How much pain is there after oral surgery?
Level and duration of pain depends on the complexity of the surgery, technique, and patient’s tolerance. Most patients experience three to four days of elevated pain, commonly managed with pain medications such as Vicodin or Percocet. As pain gradually diminishes over the next two to three days, Ibuprofen (Advil) or Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be used. After seven to ten days, most patients no longer have pain and may stop their medications.
How much pain is there in children having oral surgery?
Most common oral surgery procedures such as extractions or canine exposures are associated with minimal pain. Most take Tylenol for a day or two while others don’t need any medications at all.
Will I have any swelling?
Swelling is possible with any type of surgery and is mostly related to how invasive the procedure is. Dr. Kazemi, whenever possible, uses non-invasive approach for teeth extractions and dental implants. Patients will experience no or minimal swelling. Extraction of significantly impacted teeth or bone grafting procedures will result in more swelling. Any swelling related to surgery will maximize in 36 to 48 hours following procedure, and gradually taper over the next five to seven days. Ice helps to reduce swelling in the first 24 hours. If extractions were done in a conservative fashion, a patient may experience no swelling at all.
What can I eat after surgery?
Upon arrival home, patients may have water, juices, soups, shakes, puree, and very soft food. A soft diet is recommended up to five to seven days. No hard, crispy, or spicy should be eaten during this period. The general rule is if you have to chew, it’s probably too hard. After five to seven days, patients may gradually return to normal food.
How soon can I get back to exercise?
Get plenty of rest on day of surgery. Some patients may feel well enough the following day to walk and go out. That’s all right, but take it easy. Avoid strenuous activities for the first two to three days. Refrain from sports, lifting, or doing anything that requires exertion. After three days, if patients feel more comfortable, they can walk, go for a gentle swim, or do very low-impact exercise., such as swimming or walking. Mild activities may cause some pain but not enough to disturb the surgery site or open the sutures.
When can I return to work or school?
Most patients return to work, school, or some normal activities one to two days after surgery. Longer time may be required for more invasive procedures. The overall recovery process is variable from individual to individual.
Can I travel after surgery?
It is ok to travel or fly after surgery. Although we always recommend rest for a day or two, there is no problem with traveling or flying. Airplane cabins are pressurized therefore there are no concerns.
When can I see my dentist for cleaning or other treatment after surgery?
We recommend at least 14 days for initial healing before you follow up with your dentist for cleaning or other treatments. This will allow the initial healing to occur and you will be more comfortable opening your mouth.
When can I begin to wear my night guard, invisalign, or other retainers after surgery?
It is generally safe and comfortable to start using your night guard, invisalign, or retainers, or other types of removable prosthesis following 48 hours after surgery. If you notice that the prosthesis touches the surgical site or it is uncomfortable to wear, then contact us or your dentist for adjustments.
What should I expect for my overall recovery?
The post-operative recovery varies from individual to individual and also type of procedure. Here are some guidelines:
- Minor procedures such as simple extractions, minor biopsies, and other minor oral surgery procedures: Relatively quick recovery with no or minimal pain and swelling is expected. Patients should be able to get back to routine activities within a day or two. Pain can generally be managed with Ibuprofen and / or Tylenol.
- More invasive procedures such as surgical extractions, impacted wisdom teeth, teeth exposures, more major biopsies, and other moderately invasive procedures: More prolonged post-operative pain may be experienced which in most circumstances can be well managed with Ibuprofen / Tylenol. Mild to moderate swelling may also be expected which generally maximizes in 24-72 hours and then gradually diminishes in 7-10 days and generally resolves completely by 14 days. Patients generally take 1-2 days before getting back to routine low-impact activities. Post-operative pain, swelling, and tightness in mouth opening mostly resolve in 7-10 days.
- Most invasive procedures such as extraction of deeply impacted wisdom teeth, removal of central bony cysts, bone grafting, and significantly-invasive procedures: Patients will generally experience the most swelling associated with such procedures which generally maximizes in 24-72 hours and then gradually diminishes in 7-10 days and generally resolves completely by 14 days. Patients may experience more elevated post-operative pain requiring mild to moderate opioids in combination with Ibuprofen / Tylenol. Based on type of procedure, some sutures may self dissolve within 7 days while others may require removal in 2-3 weeks after surgery.