Oral surgery encompasses a wide variety of dental procedures. From wisdom teeth extraction to dental implant placement, you will probably need oral surgery at some point in your life in order to restore or maintain your oral health.
If you have an upcoming oral surgery procedure, you may be wondering what you can expect afterwards. How long does it take to recover? What can you eat? Here’s what you should know to be fully prepared.
What is Oral Surgery?
Any procedure that involves cutting of tissues inside the mouth is considered oral surgery. Oral surgery also includes procedures performed with a dental laser. It is typical for a few stitches to be needed to close incisions. Most oral surgery procedures require at least local anesthesia, and sedation may be recommended in certain situations.
Oral Surgery Procedures
Two of the most common oral surgery procedures include:
- Wisdom Teeth Removal. The majority of people do not have room in their mouth for their wisdom teeth and will need to get them removed. Due to the large size of wisdom teeth and the fact that they are often impacted (stuck below the gums), removing them often requires oral surgery.
- Dental Implant Placement. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are placed in the jaw bone. The procedure for placing dental implants requires oral surgery as the gum tissue must be cut to access the bone. One or more holes will be made in the jaw bone as well to place the implants.
Other oral surgery procedures:
- Jaw surgery: repositioning of the jaw structure.
- Frenectomy: relieving tongue or lip tie.
- Tooth extraction: extraction of impacted teeth.
- Gum grafting: replacing gum tissue due to receding gums.
- Bone grafting: regenerating lost bone tissue.
Recovery After Oral Surgery
Recovery experiences after oral surgery vary based on the type of procedure and other factors. It can take 24-48 hours to be ready to resume your regular daily activities, sometimes longer. Healing of soft tissues typically takes anywhere from 2-3 weeks following your procedure. If you have any form of sedation during your procedure, you should plan to rest at home for the remainder of the day after your procedure and possibly the next day as well.
What to Eat After Oral Surgery
It is best to eat a soft diet for the first few days following any oral surgery procedure. Suggestions include:
- Yogurt
- Pudding
- Jello
- Applesauce
- Mashed potatoes
- Soup (non-chunky)
- Cottage cheese
- Smoothies (but don’t drink from a straw if you’ve had a tooth extracted)
You can try more solid foods when you feel ready, such as:
- Scrambled eggs
- Pasta
- Avocado
- Soft or mashed fruit
- Soft cooked vegetables
- Soft bread (no hard crust)
- Cheese
Listen to your body’s cues when it comes to eating. Avoid anything hard, crunchy, spicy, or hot in temperature. Try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth from the site of your surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Surgery
What kind of anesthesia will I need for oral surgery?
It depends on the procedure. Simple oral surgeries may only require local anesthesia. For lengthy or more complex surgeries you may be more comfortable with some level of sedation, such as nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or IV sedation.
When can I exercise after oral surgery?
It is important to take it easy the first few days after oral surgery. Avoid strenuous exercise for the first week. Talk to your dentist before resuming your regular exercise routine.
Glassman Dental Care Provides Oral Surgery
At Glassman Dental Care we provide wisdom teeth extraction, dental implant placement, and other oral surgery procedures. For certain procedures we may refer you to an oral surgeon, but many can be handled here in our office. Our highly qualified doctors and dental team are trained and experienced to provide safe and effective treatment.
To learn more, call 212-787-4860 or contact us today to schedule an appointment.