You’ve just had oral surgery
You were given instructions after your procedure, but below you’ll find more detailed guidance — possibly in a language you’re more comfortable with, or easy to copy into Google Translate if needed.
🚫 VERY IMPORTANT (First 24 Hours)
DO NOT:
❌ Spit
❌ Rinse your mouth
❌ Drink through a straw
❌ Smoke or vape
❌ Touch the surgical area with your tongue or fingers
❌ Do any heavy physical activity
These actions can dislodge the blood clot and lead to delayed healing or dry socket.
BLEEDING
Some oozing is normal during the first 24 hours.
Bite firmly on the gauze provided for 30–60 minutes.
If bleeding continues, replace with a clean gauze pad and apply pressure again.
If you were prescribed tranexamic acid, follow instructions exactly to help stabilise the clot.
PAIN MANAGEMENT
Take paracetamol or the medication prescribed.
Begin before the numbness wears off for better comfort.
Avoid aspirin, which can increase bleeding.
SWELLING
Swelling is expected and may peak around 48–72 hours.
Use ice packs (20 minutes on / 20 minutes off) during the first 24 hours.
After 24 hours, warm compresses can be used if needed.
ORAL HYGIENE
Do not brush or rinse on the day of surgery.
From the next day:
Gently rinse with Corsodyl (chlorhexidine), available over the counter, twice daily for up to 7 days.
Alternatively, use warm salt water (½ tsp salt in a glass of warm water) 3–4 times a day, especially after meals.
Avoid brushing the surgical area for 5–7 days, but clean the rest of your mouth as usual.
If you had a soft tissue graft: Do not stretch your lips or cheeks to check the area, and avoid brushing the graft site for 2 weeks.
DIET
Soft, cool foods only: soups, pasta, mashed potatoes, yoghurt, smoothies (no straws).
Avoid hot, spicy, hard or crunchy foods.
ACTIVITY
Rest for the first 48–72 hours.
Keep your head elevated when lying down to reduce swelling.
SMOKING & ALCOHOL
Avoid for at least 5–7 days. Both delay healing and increase risk of complications.
MEDICATION
Follow all prescribed medication instructions carefully, including:
Antibiotics such as amoxicillin, if given.
Mouth rinses, anti-inflammatories, or tranexamic acid, as directed.
SUTURES
Dissolvable sutures will fall out on their own in 7–14 days.
If non-dissolvable sutures were placed, you will be advised when to return for removal.
When to Contact Us
Please reach out immediately if you experience:
Continuous or heavy bleeding
Worsening swelling after day 3
Fever or signs of infection
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Uncontrolled pain