Minor oral surgery

To speed up healing, we strongly recommend following the instructions below. Please note that it is perfectly normal to feel some discomfort after surgery and to have some swelling in the lower face.

Day of the surgery

• Use gauze pads and keep them in your mouth for an hour or two, maintaining firm pressure. Replace them every 20 to 30 minutes as needed.
• Apply ice to your cheek at regular intervals (20 minutes of ice per hour).
• If bleeding occurs, bite on a slightly moistened gauze pad or tea bag for about twenty minutes.

Avoid

• Rinsing your mouth or spitting
• Drinking through a straw
• Smoking
• Hot foods or drinks: choose cold, soft foods
• Strenuous activities

Pain

• For the first 24 to 72 hours, take acetaminophen (Tylenol, Atasol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), or the medication prescribed to you, to relieve the pain, but avoid aspirin.
• From the day after the surgery until you have fully healed, rinse your mouth three times a day with warm salt water (2 ml or 1/2 tsp of salt in 250 ml or 1 cup of water).
• Bruises may appear on your skin. They will fade gradually after five to seven days.
• You will probably also have some difficulty opening your mouth. This discomfort will go away within four to five days.
• If the pain gets worse after three days, don’t hesitate to call us.

You will feel better after a few days and can return to your usual activities. In case of pain, heavy bleeding, swelling lasting 2–3 days or a reaction to the prescribed medication, please contact us right away at 418 875-0888.