Most patients are primarily concerned about pain and swelling after surgery, what they can eat, and when they can return to normal activities. Recovery can vary based on the following factors:
- Complexity of surgery: The more complex the surgery, the higher the chance of increased discomfort, swelling, and overall recovery.
- Surgical approach and technique: Conservative and minimally surgical approaches can minimize discomfort, possibly avoid swelling, and speed of recovery.
- Length of surgery: Typically, longer surgical procedures require more healing and recovery time.
- Post-operative instructions: You can improve your recovery by closely adhering to both pre-operative and post-operative instructions. Follow them closely and you can recover faster.
- Individual’s physiology and healing potential: This is highly variable between different individuals. Good nutrition and general state of health help to speed up your recovery.
5/20/10-April Nowicki
“I was welcomed immediately by the same person who I had been corresponding with prior to my visit, and waited less than five minutes in the waiting area. The procedure (four wisdom teeth extractions, IV sedation) was quite enjoyable, actually, since I was totally asleep and what with the attractive Dr. Kazemi and his adorable, smiling assistants all over the place. Recovery was much quicker than I expected and as close to painless as it could be given the circumstances.”
Use of temporary prosthesis during healing:
A transitional prosthesis replacing the missing teeth may have been prepared by your dentist. Following bone grafting procedure, the prosthesis may be placed with minor modifications to avoid pressure on the graft. As it heals, the prosthesis may be further adjusted to improve its fit and stability until your permanent teeth are placed.
When can dental implants be placed?
Dental implants may be placed four to six months following grafting procedure. Depending on implant location and type of grafting, temporary teeth may be placed at time of implant placement, several weeks later, or two to four months of healing.
Returning to work, school, or normal activities:
Most patients return to work, school, or some normal activities two to three days after procedure. There is no problem with traveling or flying the following day, although it’s best to rest for a day or two. Of course, there are always variations in overall response and recovery
Expected recovery:
Pain: 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.
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.
Diet: 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 seven days, patients may gradually return to normal food.
Activity: 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.