You want to take the best care of your teeth and gums after surgery, but you also want to return to normal life. Your recovery schedule will vary depending on the type of surgery you are having, your physical health, and your age. Hopefully, any bleeding will stop within the first 24 hours and you'll feel better after the effects of the sedation have worn off. Complete healing can take up to two weeks.
Rest is important after oral surgery and is recommended for at least two days after the procedure. Physical activity for two to three days after surgery is not recommended. Most patients can resume normal activities within 48 hours after surgery. If bleeding continues for more than 24 hours or is so severe that the gauze needs to be changed more often, call your dentist or oral surgeon.
Your surgeon may tell you not to brush or use mouthwash, as your mouth may be too sensitive for regular oral hygiene. Now that you've passed oral surgery, you'll want to take care of your mouth to ensure a quick and easy recovery. Follow the following guidelines after oral surgery to ensure a quick recovery with complete healing. Some oral surgeries, specifically those that focus on bone structure (such as bone grafts and apicectomy), may require a longer period of overall healing.
If you are preparing to have oral surgery, you may be concerned about how your recovery will be. Contact your dentist or Columbia Smiles if you've recently had oral surgery and have questions about your recovery.