Appointment

Referring Doctors

After Care Instructions

Please carefully read the instructions below for care after your oral surgery procedure. If you have any questions, please call our office for assistance.

For any concerns, call our office at (623) 304-7701.

Dental Implants

Dental Implants Download

  1. BLEEDING
  • Bite firmly on the provided gauze for 30-45 minutes after surgery.
  • If bleeding continues, replace with a fresh gauze pad.  Fold several times and dampen the gauze prior to applying firm pressure for another 30 minutes.
  • Slight oozing or pink saliva is normal for 24-48 hours.
  • If bleeding is heavy or persistent:
    • Keep your head elevated.
    • Continue to apply firm pressure by biting on moist gauze.
    • Gently rinse or swish with ice cold water. 
    • Bite on a moist black tea bag for 30 minutes.
  1. PAIN MANAGEMENT
  • Take Ibuprofen (600 mg) and Tylenol (1000 mg) every 6 hours, around the clock, for the first 48-72 hours after surgery, even if pain is minimal. This helps control inflammation and prevent pain from escalating.
  • Consider taking with food or staggering doses every 3 hours to avoid upsetting your stomach. 
  • After 72 hours, continue as needed.
  • If prescribed stronger pain medication, take it as directed only if needed, and avoid driving or operating machinery while taking it.
  1. SWELLING & BRUISING
  • Swelling is expected and typically peaks around 48-72 hours post-surgery before gradually improving.
  • Apply an ice pack to the area for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off for the first 48-72 hours to minimize swelling.
  • Try to keep your head elevated when resting or sleeping for the first 2-3 days.
  • Bruising in the area, on the cheeks, or under the jaw is normal and will resolve over time.
  1. DIET
  • Stick to soft, cool foods for the first 3–5 days.
  • Avoid hot (temperature), spicy, crunchy, or chewy foods that may irritate the surgical sites or cause bleeding.
  • Do not use straws, carbonated drinks, or alcohol for at least 5 days to prevent complications.
  • Maintain a soft diet for the first 4–6 weeks (smoothies, yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, overcooked fish, macaroni and cheese, etc.).
  • Chew on the opposite side of your mouth or avoid chewing directly on the surgical site(s) as much as possible.
  • Gradually return to a more normal diet as tolerated, but continue to avoid chewing on or disturbing the surgical area.
  • Stay well hydrated and do not skip meals, even if your appetite is reduced.
  1. ORAL HYGIENE
  • Resume normal oral hygiene (gentle brushing/flossing) right away taking care to avoid the areas where surgery was performed. 
  • Avoid vigorous rinsing or spitting for 3-5 days.
  • If you were prescribed an antimicrobial mouthrinse, you may gently rinse with it twice per day. 
  • Gently rinsing with warm salt water (½ teaspoon salt in 8 oz of warm water) 3-4 times daily can be used as an alternative.
  1. IMPLANT SITE CARE
  • In general, the more the implant is allowed to heal undisturbed, the better the outcome.
  • Do not touch or disturb the implant site with your tongue, fingers, or toothbrush.
  • If a healing cap or temporary abutment is in place, keep the area clean, but do not brush it directly for the first several days.
  • As noted above, avoid placing any pressure on the implant while chewing. Chew on the opposite side for the first 4–6 weeks, or as directed.
  1. PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
  • Limit physical activity for 3-5 days. Avoid strenuous exercise, bending over, or lifting to prevent bleeding and swelling.
  1. SMOKING & VAPING
  • Do not smoke or vape for at least 7 days. Smoking significantly increases the risk of poor healing.
  1. JAW STIFFNESS & OPENING
  • Jaw soreness and stiffness are normal, especially after removal of lower teeth.
  • Begin gentle jaw stretching exercises on the third day after surgery to help restore normal movement.
  • Apply warm compresses and continue with soft food until full range of motion returns.
  1. SIGNS OF COMPLICATIONS – CALL US IF YOU NOTICE:
  • Persistent or excessive bleeding beyond 24 hours.
  • Severe pain not relieved by medication.
  • Swelling that worsens after 3 days instead of improving.
  • Fever (101°F or higher), chills, or pus-like drainage.
  • Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or persistent numbness.
  • Bad taste, foul odor, or intense pain starting several days after surgery (possible dry socket).

Implant Supported Full Arch Dental Implants

Implant supported full arch download

  1. BLEEDING
  • Bite firmly on the provided gauze for 30-45 minutes after surgery.
  • If bleeding continues, replace with a fresh gauze pad.  Fold several times and dampen the gauze before placing and applying firm pressure for another 30 minutes. 
  • Slight oozing or pink saliva is normal for 24-48 hours.
  • If bleeding is heavy or persistent:
    • Keep your head elevated.
    • Continue to apply firm pressure by biting on moist gauze.
    • Gently rinse or swish with ice cold water. 
    • Bite on a moist black tea bag for 30 minutes.
  1. PAIN MANAGEMENT
  • Take Ibuprofen (600 mg) and Tylenol (1000 mg) every 6 hours, around the clock, for the first 48-72 hours after surgery, even if pain is minimal. This helps control inflammation and prevent pain from escalating.
  • Consider taking with food or staggering doses every 3 hours to avoid upsetting your stomach. 
  • After 72 hours, continue as needed.
  • If prescribed stronger pain medication, take it as directed only if needed, and avoid driving or operating machinery while taking it.
  1. SWELLING & BRUISING
  • Swelling is expected and typically peaks around 48-72 hours post-surgery before gradually improving.
  • Apply an ice pack to the area for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off for the first 48-72 hours to minimize swelling.
  • Bruising in the area, on the cheeks, or under the jaw is normal and will resolve over time.
  1. DIET
  • Stick to soft, cool foods (smoothies, yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs), or anything  you can easily smash with your tongue on the roof of your mouth.
  • Avoid hot (temperature), spicy, crunchy, or chewy foods that may irritate the surgical sites or cause bleeding.
  1. ORAL HYGIENE
  • Use prescribed mouth rinse (Chlorhexidine) gently starting 24 hours after surgery.
  • Rinse with warm salt water (1 tsp salt in 8 oz of water) 3-4 times daily, especially after meals.
  • Brush your tongue and any natural teeth gently.
  1. PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
  • Limit physical activity for 5-10 days. Avoid strenuous exercise, bending over, or lifting to prevent bleeding and swelling.
  1. SMOKING & VAPING
  • Do not smoke or vape for at least 7 days. Smoking significantly increases the risk of poor healing.
  1. JAW STIFFNESS & OPENING
  • Jaw soreness and stiffness are normal after oral surgery.
  • Apply warm compresses and continue with soft food.
  1. MEDICATIONS
  • Take all medications exactly as prescribed. (pain relievers, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory meds, antibacterial mouth rinse)
  1. SIGNS OF COMPLICATIONS – CALL US IF YOU NOTICE:
  • Persistent or excessive bleeding beyond 24 hours.
  • Severe pain not relieved by medication.
  • Swelling that worsens after 3-4 days instead of improving.
  • Fever (101°F or higher), chills, or pus-like drainage.
  • Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or persistent numbness.
  • Bad taste, foul odor, or intense pain starting several days after surgery (possible dry socket).

Extractions

Extractions

  1. BLEEDING
  • Bite firmly on the provided gauze for 30-45 minutes after surgery.
  • If bleeding continues, replace with a fresh gauze pad.  Fold several times and dampen the gauze prior to applying firm pressure for another 30 minutes.
  • Slight oozing or pink saliva is normal for 24-48 hours.
  • If bleeding is heavy or persistent:
    • Keep your head elevated.
    • Continue to apply firm pressure by biting on moist gauze.
    • Gently rinse or swish with ice cold water. 
    • Bite on a moist black tea bag for 30 minutes.
  1. PAIN MANAGEMENT
  • Take Ibuprofen (600 mg) and Tylenol (1000 mg) every 6 hours, around the clock, for the first 48-72 hours after surgery, even if pain is minimal. This helps control inflammation and prevent pain from escalating.
  • Consider taking with food or staggering doses every 3 hours to avoid upsetting your stomach. 
  • After 72 hours, continue as needed.
  • If prescribed stronger pain medication, take it as directed only if needed, and avoid driving or operating machinery while taking it.
  1. SWELLING & BRUISING
  • Swelling is expected and typically peaks around 48-72 hours post-surgery before gradually improving.
  • Apply an ice pack to the area for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off for the first 48-72 hours to minimize swelling.
  • Bruising in the area, on the cheeks, or under the jaw is normal and will resolve over time.
  1. DIET
  • Stick to soft, cool foods (smoothies, yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs) for the first 3-5 days.   
  • Avoid hot (temperature), spicy, crunchy, or chewy foods that may irritate the surgical sites or cause bleeding.
  • Gradually progress diet to more normal foods as tolerated. 
  • Do not use straws, carbonated drinks, or alcohol for 5 days to prevent complications.
  • Stay well hydrated and avoid skipping meals, even if your appetite is reduced.
  1. ORAL HYGIENE
  • Resume normal oral hygiene (gentle brushing/flossing) right away taking care to avoid the areas where surgery was performed. 
  • Avoid vigorous rinsing or spitting for 3-5 days.
  • If you were prescribed an antimicrobial mouthrinse, you may gently rinse with it twice per day. 
  • Gently rinsing with warm salt water (½ teaspoon salt in 8 oz of warm water) 3-4 times daily can be used as an alternative.
  1. PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
  • Limit physical activity for 3-5 days. Avoid strenuous exercise, bending over, or lifting to prevent bleeding and swelling.
  1. SMOKING & VAPING
  • Do not smoke or vape for at least 7 days. Smoking significantly increases the risk of dry socket and poor healing.
  1. DRY SOCKET PREVENTION
  • Dry socket is a painful condition that can occur when the blood clot is lost prematurely.
  • To reduce your risk:
    • Avoid suction (no straws, spitting, or smoking) for the first 5-7 days.
    • Avoid disturbing the surgical areas with your tongue or fingers.
    • Follow all pain management and hygiene instructions closely.
  1. JAW STIFFNESS & OPENING
  • Jaw soreness and stiffness are normal, especially after removal of lower teeth.
  • Begin gentle jaw stretching exercises on the third day after surgery to help restore normal movement.
  • Apply warm compresses and continue with soft food until full range of motion returns.
  1. SINUS PRECAUTIONS (IF APPLICABLE)
  • If upper teeth were close to the sinuses, you may experience mild nasal congestion or slight bleeding from the nose.
    • Avoid forceful nose blowing for 2 weeks.
    • Sneeze with your mouth open to prevent pressure buildup.
    • Contact our office if you experience persistent sinus pressure, drainage, or unusual pain.
  1. SIGNS OF COMPLICATIONS – CALL US IF YOU NOTICE:
  • Persistent or excessive bleeding beyond 24 hours.
  • Severe pain not relieved by medication.
  • Swelling that worsens after 3 days instead of improving.
  • Fever (101°F or higher), chills, or pus-like drainage.
  • Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or persistent numbness.
  • Bad taste, foul odor, or intense pain starting several days after surgery (possible dry socket).

Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom Teeth

  1. BLEEDING
  • Bite firmly on the provided gauze for 30-45 minutes after surgery.
  • If bleeding continues, replace with a fresh gauze pad.  Fold several times and dampen the gauze prior to applying firm pressure for another 30 minutes.
  • Slight oozing or pink saliva is normal for 24-48 hours.
  • If bleeding is heavy or persistent:
    • Continue to apply firm pressure to your extraction socket(s) by biting on moist gauze.
    • Gently rinse or swish with ice cold water. 
    • Bite on a moist black tea bag for 30 minutes.
  1. PAIN MANAGEMENT
  • Take Ibuprofen (600 mg) and Tylenol (1000 mg) every 6 hours, around the clock, for the first 48-72 hours after surgery, even if pain is minimal. This helps control inflammation and prevent pain from escalating.
  • Consider taking with food or staggering doses every 3 hours to avoid upsetting your stomach. 
  • After 72 hours, continue as needed.
  • If prescribed stronger pain medication, take it as directed only if needed, and avoid driving or operating machinery while taking it.
  1. SWELLING & BRUISING
  • Swelling is expected and typically peaks around 48-72 hours post-surgery before gradually improving.
  • Apply ice packs to both sides of your face 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off continuously for the first 48-72 hours to minimize swelling.
  • Try to keep your head elevated when resting or sleeping for the first 2-3 days.
  • Bruising on the cheeks or under the jaw is normal and will resolve over time.
  1. DIET
  • Stick to soft, cool foods (smoothies, yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs) for the first 3-5 days.  
  • Avoid hot (temperature), spicy, crunchy, or chewy foods that may irritate the surgical sites or cause bleeding.
  • Gradually progress diet to more normal foods as tolerated. 
  • Do not use straws, carbonated drinks, or alcohol for 5 days to prevent complications.
  • Stay well hydrated and avoid skipping meals, even if your appetite is reduced.
  1. ORAL HYGIENE
  • Resume normal oral hygiene (gentle brushing/flossing) right away taking care to avoid the areas where surgery was performed. 
  • Avoid vigorous rinsing or spitting for 3-5 days.
  • If you were prescribed an antimicrobial mouthrinse, you may gently rinse with it twice per day. 
  • Gently rinsing with warm salt water (½ teaspoon salt in 8 oz of warm water) 3-4 times daily can be used as an alternative.
  1. PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
  • Limit physical activity for 3-5 days. Avoid strenuous exercise, bending over, or lifting to prevent bleeding and swelling.
  1. SMOKING & VAPING
  • Do not smoke or vape for at least 7 days. Smoking significantly increases the risk of dry socket and poor healing.
  1. DRY SOCKET PREVENTION
  • Dry socket is a painful condition that can occur when the blood clot is lost prematurely.
  • To reduce your risk:
    • Avoid suction (no straws, spitting, or smoking) for the first 5-7 days.
    • Avoid disturbing the surgical areas with your tongue or fingers.
    • Follow all pain management and hygiene instructions closely.
  1. JAW STIFFNESS & OPENING
  • Jaw soreness and stiffness are normal, especially after removal of lower wisdom teeth.
  • Begin gentle jaw stretching exercises on the third day after surgery to help restore normal movement.
  • Apply warm compresses and continue with soft food until full range of motion returns.
  1. SINUS PRECAUTIONS (IF APPLICABLE)
  • If upper teeth were close to the sinuses, you may experience mild nasal congestion or slight bleeding from the nose.
    • Avoid forceful nose blowing for 2 weeks.
    • Sneeze with your mouth open to prevent pressure buildup.
    • Contact our office if you experience persistent sinus pressure, drainage, or unusual pain.
  1. SIGNS OF COMPLICATIONS – CALL US IF YOU NOTICE:
  • Persistent or excessive bleeding beyond 24 hours.
  • Severe pain not relieved by medication.
  • Swelling that worsens after 3 days instead of improving.
  • Fever (101°F or higher), chills, or pus-like drainage.
  • Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or persistent numbness.
  • Bad taste, foul odor, or intense pain starting several days after surgery (possible dry socket).

Soft Tissue Graft

Soft Tissue Graft

  1. BLEEDING
  • Bite firmly on the provided gauze for 30-45 minutes after surgery.
  • If bleeding continues, replace with a fresh gauze pad.  Fold several times and dampen the gauze prior to applying firm pressure for another 30 minutes.
  • Slight oozing or pink saliva is normal for 24-48 hours.
  • If bleeding is heavy or persistent:
    • Keep your head elevated.
    • Continue to apply firm pressure by biting on moist gauze.
    • Gently rinse or swish with ice cold water. 
    • Bite on a moist black tea bag for 30 minutes.
  1. PAIN MANAGEMENT
  • Take Ibuprofen (600 mg) and Tylenol (1000 mg) every 6 hours, around the clock, for the first 48-72 hours after surgery, even if pain is minimal. This helps control inflammation and prevent pain from escalating.
  • Consider taking with food or staggering doses every 3 hours to avoid upsetting your stomach. 
  • After 72 hours, continue as needed.
  • If prescribed stronger pain medication, take it as directed only if needed, and avoid driving or operating machinery while taking it.
  1. SWELLING & BRUISING
  • Swelling is expected and typically peaks around 48-72 hours post-surgery before gradually improving.
  • Apply an ice pack to the area for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off for the first 48-72 hours to minimize swelling.
  • Bruising in the area, on the cheeks, or under the jaw is normal and will resolve over time.
  1. DIET
  • Stick to soft, cool foods (smoothies, yogurt, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, protein shakes) for the first 3–5 days.
  • Avoid hot (temperature), spicy, crunchy, acidic, or chewy foods that may irritate the graft or donor site.
    Do not use straws, carbonated drinks, or alcohol for at least 5 days.
  • Chew on the opposite side of the mouth and avoid the grafted area entirely while eating.
  • Stay well hydrated and avoid skipping meals.
  1. ORAL HYGIENE
  • Do not brush or floss the graft site or the donor area for 10–14 days.
  • You may resume gentle brushing and flossing of all other teeth the day after surgery, avoiding the surgical areas.
  • • If prescribed an antimicrobial mouthrinse, use it twice daily for 7–10 days.
  • Gently rinse with warm salt water (½ teaspoon salt in 8 oz of warm water) 3–4 times daily, especially after meals.
  1. PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
  • Limit physical activity for 3-5 days. Avoid strenuous exercise, bending over, or lifting to prevent bleeding and swelling.
  1. SMOKING & VAPING
  • Do not smoke or vape for at least 7-10 days. Smoking delays healing and significantly increases the risk of graft failure.
  1. GRAFT SITE CARE
  • Do not disturb the graft or donor site with your tongue, fingers, toothbrush, or food.
  • A protective dressing or membrane may have been placed—do not remove or disturb it.
  • The graft will appear pale, white, or gray during the early healing period. This is normal and does not indicate infection.
  • Avoid using electric toothbrushes, water flossers, or any irrigation near the surgical area until cleared by the surgeon.
  • Do not pull on the lips or cheeks to “check the area”—this may dislodge the graft.
  1. JAW STIFFNESS & OPENING
  • Jaw soreness and stiffness are normal, especially after removal of lower teeth.
  • Begin gentle jaw stretching exercises on the third day after surgery to help restore normal movement.
  • Apply warm compresses and continue with soft food until full range of motion returns.
  1. SIGNS OF COMPLICATIONS – CALL US IF YOU NOTICE:
  • Persistent or excessive bleeding beyond 24 hours.
  • Severe pain not relieved by medication.
  • Swelling that worsens after 3 days instead of improving.
  • Fever (101°F or higher), chills, or pus-like drainage.
  • Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or persistent numbness.
  • Bad taste, foul odor, or intense pain starting several days after surgery (possible dry socket).

Biopsy

Biopsy

  1. BLEEDING
  • Bite firmly on the provided gauze for 30-45 minutes after surgery.
  • If bleeding continues, replace with a fresh gauze pad.  Fold several times and dampen the gauze before placing and applying firm pressure for another 30 minutes. 
  • Slight oozing or pink saliva is normal for 24-48 hours.
  • If bleeding is heavy or persistent:
    • Keep your head elevated.
    • Continue to apply firm pressure by biting on moist gauze.
    • Gently rinse or swish with ice cold water. 
    • Bite on a moist black tea bag for 30 minutes.
  1. PAIN MANAGEMENT
  • Take Ibuprofen (600 mg) and Tylenol (1000 mg) every 6 hours, around the clock, for the first 48-72 hours after surgery, even if pain is minimal. This helps control inflammation and prevent pain from escalating.
  • Consider taking with food or staggering doses every 3 hours to avoid upsetting your stomach. 
  • After 72 hours, continue as needed.
  • If prescribed stronger pain medication, take it as directed only if needed, and avoid driving or operating machinery while taking it.
  1. SWELLING & BRUISING
  • Swelling is expected and typically peaks around 48-72 hours post-surgery before gradually improving.
  • Apply an ice pack to the area for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off for the first 48-72 hours to minimize swelling.
  • Bruising in the area, on the cheeks, or under the jaw is normal and will resolve over time.
  1. DIET
  • Stick to soft, cool foods (smoothies, yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs) for the first 3-5 days.  
  • Avoid hot (temperature), spicy, crunchy, or chewy foods that may irritate the surgical sites or cause bleeding.
  • Gradually return to a normal diet as tolerated.
  • Do not use straws, carbonated drinks, or alcohol for 5 days to prevent complications.
  • Stay well hydrated and avoid skipping meals, even if your appetite is reduced.
  1. ORAL HYGIENE
  • Resume normal oral hygiene (gentle brushing/flossing) right away, taking care to avoid the areas where surgery was performed. 
  • Avoid vigorous rinsing or spitting for 3-5 days.
  • If you were prescribed an antimicrobial mouthrinse, you may gently rinse with it twice per day. 
  • Gently rinsing with warm salt water (½ teaspoon salt in 8 oz of warm water) 3-4 times daily can be used as an alternative.
  1. PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
  • Limit physical activity for 3-5 days. Avoid strenuous exercise, bending over, or lifting to prevent bleeding and swelling.
  1. SMOKING & VAPING
  • Do not smoke or vape for at least 7 days. Smoking significantly increases the risk of poor healing.
  1. FOLLOW-UP & BIOPSY RESULTS
  • A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to check healing and review your pathology results approximately 2 weeks after surgery.
  • Biopsy specimens are typically processed within 7-10 days.
  1. JAW STIFFNESS & OPENING
  • Jaw soreness and stiffness are normal after oral surgery.
  • Begin gentle jaw stretching exercises on the third day after surgery to help restore normal movement.
  • Apply warm compresses and continue with soft food until full range of motion returns.
  1. SIGNS OF COMPLICATIONS – CALL US IF YOU NOTICE:
  • Persistent or excessive bleeding beyond 24 hours.
  • Severe pain not relieved by medication.
  • Swelling that worsens after 3 days instead of improving.
  • Fever (101°F or higher), chills, or pus-like drainage.
  • Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or persistent numbness.
  • Bad taste, foul odor, or intense pain starting several days after surgery (possible dry socket).
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