Looking up into the masked faces of dentists performing oral surgery in teal scrubs with special tools

How Long Is Recovery After Oral Surgery?

October 31, 2022 9:56 pm

If you’re preparing for oral surgery, you probably have some questions. For example, how long does it take to recover from oral surgery? Will it be a painful process? What should you eat afterwards?

Don’t worry–our Cactus Point Dental team will be with you each step of the process. While everyone’s recovery time varies based on the type of surgery, overall health condition, and age, our goal is to have you back to your normal life as soon as possible.

First 24 Hours

Although the time it takes to recover from oral surgery varies with each patient, these first 24 hours are pretty standard. You’ll want to make arrangements for someone to take you home after the procedure, as it can take some time to recover from the effects of anesthesia. For the rest of the day, your job is to relax and take it easy. There’s a good chance you’ll feel fatigued; resting will help your body devote its energy to recovery.

Carefully follow the instructions we give you at your appointment about cleaning your surgical site and taking any painkillers. Stick to soft foods that you don’t need to chew, like yogurt and applesauce. Sit and sleep elevated with an extra pillow, and avoid vigorous physical activity, bending, and lifting.

48 Hours Later

After a day or two, you’ll probably start to feel a little better. You will likely still need to use a cold compress to manage swelling and pain relievers to reduce your pain. Rest as much as you can, and keep avoiding seedy, hard, chewy, and tough foods that can irritate your surgical site.

The First Week

Throughout the first week of oral surgery recovery, you’ll feel better each day. Many people can resume normal activities other than heavy lifting during this time. As you feel better, you can start to expand your diet as long as you’re eating without pain.

More Questions?

Please contact our team to ask any specific questions about your recovery from oral surgery or to schedule an appointment at Cactus Point Dental!

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