In cases where intravenous sedation/general anesthesia has been utilized, precautions must be taken regarding prolonged reactions such as drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired judgment. Motor vehicles must not be operated for 24 hours. Since the use of pain medication may further accentuate and prolong the anesthetic effect, appropriate precautions should be taken.

Gauze has been placed in your mouth to help control bleeding. This gauze should remain in place under firm continuous pressure for 15 or 20 minutes. At that time, the gauze should be removed. A minor amount of bleeding can be expected for the first 24 hours. If bleeding should become more persistent, place a piece of folded gauze over the surgical site and bite with continuous, firm pressure for 20 minutes. If bleeding still persists, place a damp, caffeinated teabag on the site and bite firmly for 20 minutes. Do not vigorously spit for one week. Any blood that accumulates in the mouth should be permitted to run out into a tissue. Spitting creates a suction, which can disrupt the developing blood clot and lead to a dry socket. Keep the head elevated slightly when resting or sleeping.

Discomfort in varying degrees may be expected after oral surgery. If pain medication has been prescribed, follow the directions on the container. It is suggested that pain medication be taken when you arrive home, before the numbness at the surgical site has subsided. Stiffness of the jaw muscles may cause difficulty in opening your mouth for a few days following surgery. It is normal to experience more pain or swelling on one side of the face.

Swelling can be kept to a minimum by the application of ice packs to the face over the surgical area until the ice pack grows warm. You may continue ice off and on if you choose. It may take 48-72 hours for the swelling to reach its peak. With more extensive surgical procedures, some discoloration of the facial skin may occur. This will generally take 7-10 days to disappear. It is recommended to sleep with your head above your heart to reduce swelling overnight.

If stitches have been used, they will generally come out on their own in 3-5 days. The stitches will do their job within in the first 24-72 hours. If they happen to come undone or fall out after this time period, it is normal and is not necessary to replace them.

Fluids can be taken immediately, but chewing should be avoided while the surgical area is still numb which will be around 6 hours after surgery. Do not use a straw for 1 week, since this may induce bleeding or a dry socket. You should drink something soon after, perhaps a milk shake. Avoid hot or carbonated beverages for the first 48 hours. Food such as popcorn, chips, nuts, or berries should not be eaten for at least one week because they may become lodged in an extraction site. Initially, soft foods should be eaten, such as ice cream, lukewarm soups, mashed potatoes, pudding, jell-o, etc.