Alta Dental
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11 Steps for a Quick and Comfortable Recovery from Oral Surgery

March 14, 2025
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Posted By: Dr. Jason Liu
Man smiling after recovering from dental implant implant surgery

Having a tooth extracted doesn't have to be a long and arduous process. When you give yourself the time you need to heal and follow some simple steps, your recovery can be comfortable, and you won't have to put your life on hold.

How to Have a Smooth Recovery After Oral Surgery

We'll provide complete instructions and steps to follow throughout your recovery. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind to help your recovery go smoothly after a wisdom tooth extraction.

  • Get Plenty of Rest — Plan on taking the remainder of the day of surgery off to rest and limit your activities in the next couple of days following your surgery.
  • Avoid Heavy Lifting — For the first 72 hours after your surgery, you should avoid exercise or vigorous activity.
  • Be Careful Around Your Surgical Site — Keep pressure on your surgical site immediately following your procedure, and be sure to avoid smoking and drinking through a straw to keep your blood clot in place.
  • Monitor for Signs of Infection or Complications — If you experience excessive bleeding or pain that's not going away, contact our team right away.

  • Eat Soft Foods — Stick to soft foods for the first few days after your surgery, so you don't irritate the surgical site.
  • Keep Hydrated — Make sure to drink plenty of water, but avoid caffeine, hot, or carbonated beverages right after surgery.
  • Use Pain Medication as Directed — Your East Vancouver dentist will provide you with pain medication that you can use as needed.
  • Use a Cold Compress — A cold compress applied right after surgery can help to minimize swelling.
  • Continue Oral Hygiene — It's important to brush your teeth after oral surgery; remain cognizant of and avoid the surgical site.
  • Avoid Alcohol and Tobacco — Do not use alcohol or tobacco for at least a week after your surgery, as they could cause complications or delay healing.
  • Be Patient with Healing — Take your time and get plenty of rest after oral surgery. Give yourself time to heal completely.

Contact Your Dentist in East Vancouver

You can rest assured that your team at Alta Dental Studio will be here to support you throughout the entire process during your tooth extraction in Vancouver. You can always feel free to contact our dental office at (604) 876-5032 if you have questions, concerns, or need to be seen during your recovery.