Most patients feel better within a few days post-oral surgery, but complete healing will take time, depending on the type of surgery you had done.
What to Expect After Oral Surgery?
When scheduling an appointment for oral surgery in Saskatoon, you may wonder how long the recovery will take. Whether it’s wisdom tooth removal, a dental implant, or another procedure, healing time may vary from person to person.
Let’s break it down in simple terms.
How a Dentist Helps With Your Recovery?
When you visit a trusted dentist in Saskatoon, they will provide you with an overall recovery plan! They will examine your mouth, along with covering what to expect and what kind of home care to provide to your mouth after the surgery.
Follow up with your dentist if you notice any complications, swelling, or bleeding that are otherwise hard to tackle with medications alone.
A dentist will make sure you feel comfortable; they will suggest various pain relief options while also letting you know when you should return for a follow-up appointment.
What Is the Typical Recovery Time?
Your oral surgery recovery time depends on the type of procedure you had. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Gum tissue healing: 1 to 2 weeks
- Swelling goes down: In 2 to 4 days
- Pain improves: Around 3 to 5 days
- Full bone or jaw healing: Can take up to 6 months
If you had minor surgery, like a small tooth extraction, you may feel better in just a few days, but complex surgeries, like implants or jaw correction, need more time.
What are the Aftercare Tips for Faster Healing?
Following the right oral surgery aftercare tips can make a big difference. Here’s what to do:
- Rest more for the first 24–48 hours
- Keep your head raised to reduce swelling
- Use cold packs for the first two days
- Avoid hard, hot, or spicy foods
- Don’t smoke or use straws; this can slow healing
- Brush gently and avoid the surgical area
- Take any medicine your dentist gives you
Stick to these steps and contact your dentist if you feel unusual pain or bleeding.
How Long to Heal After Oral Surgery?
Here’s what most people experience:
- Gums usually heal in 1 to 2 weeks
- Swelling reduces in 2 to 4 days
- Pain gets better in 3 to 5 days
- If your surgery involved bone or implants, full healing can take up to 6 months.
Even if you feel okay after a week, your body still needs time to fully heal. Always follow your dentist’s advice.
Signs Your Recovery Is Going Well (Or Not)
After surgery, it’s important to know what’s normal and what’s not. Here’s how to tell if things are healing properly or if you need to call your dentist.
Good signs of healing:
- Pain slowly gets better each day
- Swelling goes down after 2–3 days
- You don’t see much bleeding after the first day
- You can eat soft foods without too much trouble
Warning signs (call your dentist if you notice these):
- Pain gets worse after the third day
- Bleeding doesn’t stop or start again
- Bad smell or taste in your mouth
- Fever or chills
- Trouble opening your mouth
If anything feels off, don’t wait. A quick call to your dentist can help you feel better faster and avoid bigger problems.
Final Thoughts
Healing takes time, but with good care, most people recover well after oral surgery. If you ever have questions or need help after surgery, the team at Saskatoon Smiles Dental Studio is here to support you.
Need support during your recovery? Contact Saskatoon Smiles Dental Studio for expert care before and after your oral surgery.
FAQs
- Can I eat normally after oral surgery?
Stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, or soup for the first few days. Avoid anything hard, crunchy, or spicy.
- Is it normal to have swelling or bruising?
Yes. Swelling and light bruising are common and usually go away in 3–4 days.
- When should I go back to the dentist?
Your dentist will usually ask you to come in for a follow-up a week or two after surgery. But if you feel pain, bleeding, or something unusual, call sooner.