Recovery Guide
To promote a quick and comfortable recovery after your oral surgery, Centre Dentaire Laflamme recommends that you carefully follow the advice below. Please note that it is normal to experience some discomfort and facial swelling for a few days.
Important: In case of persistent pain, heavy bleeding, swelling lasting more than 2-3 days, or a reaction to prescribed medication, contact us immediately at 450-447-4055.
On the Day of Surgery
Bleeding Control:
- Keep gauze in your mouth for 1 to 2 hours, maintaining firm and sustained pressure.
- Change gauze every 20 to 30 minutes if necessary.
- In case of persistent bleeding, bite down on clean gauze or a slightly moistened tea bag for about 20 minutes. Tea has an astringent effect on blood vessels that will help stop the bleeding.
Swelling Reduction:
- Apply ice to your cheek at regular intervals (20 minutes per hour).
- Keep your head elevated, even while sleeping.
Absolutely Avoid:
- Vigorously rinsing your mouth or spitting (risk of dislodging the blood clot).
- Drinking with a straw (suction can cause bleeding).
- Smoking or consuming alcohol (delays the healing process).
- Consuming hot food or drinks (prefer cold and soft foods).
- Engaging in intense physical activities within 24-48 hours following the procedure.
Pain Management
During the first 24 to 72 hours:
- Take pain medication as prescribed.
- In the absence of a specific prescription, you may take acetaminophen-based medication (Tylenol, Atasol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil).
- Avoid aspirin, which can increase bleeding.
Starting the Next Day
Gentle Rinsing:
- Begin gently rinsing your mouth three times a day with a warm salt water solution (½ teaspoon of salt in one cup of water).
- Continue these rinses until complete healing.
Normal Symptoms to Expect:
- Bruising may appear on the skin and will take 5 to 7 days to disappear.
- Difficulty opening your mouth completely may persist for 4 to 5 days.
- A slight fever may occur during the first 24 hours.
Warning Signs – when to Contact Us
Contact us immediately if you observe any of the following symptoms:
- Heavy bleeding that does not stop after 3-4 hours.
- Intense pain that worsens after three days.
- Swelling that increases after 2-3 days.
- High fever.
- Allergic reaction to medication (rash, itching, difficulty breathing).
Recommended Diet
During the first few days, prioritize:
- Cold liquids (water, juice, smoothies without a straw).
- Soft foods (yogurt, ice cream, puree, scrambled eggs).
- Warm soups (not hot).
- Protein-rich foods to promote healing.
Gradually reintroduce more solid foods as your comfort allows.
Oral Hygiene
- Continue brushing your teeth in unaffected areas.
- Avoid the surgical area for the first 24 hours.
- After 24 hours, gently clean the area with an ultra-soft toothbrush.
- Do not use commercial mouthwash containing alcohol.
Return to Normal Activities
- Rest on the day of the procedure.
- Limit physical activities for 2-3 days.
- Gradually resume your normal activities according to your comfort level.
- Avoid intense exercise for at least 3-4 days.
For your convenience, these instructions are available in PDF format for printing or future reference.
Have a question about your recovery? Don’t hesitate to contact our team for personalized answers.