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Recovering from oral surgery does not have to be stressful—especially when you know what to expect, what’s normal, and what steps to take to prevent complications.
At AZ Max Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, we believe that proactive, informed patients have the smoothest recoveries. This guide is here to help you better understand the most common post-surgical concerns and how to handle them with confidence.
We offer oral surgery at our locations in Mesa, North Mesa, Queen Creek, Tempe and Show Low.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Dry Socket
- Infection Prevention
- Nerve Damage After Wisdom Tooth Removal
- Bone Spurs or Fragments
- General Oral Hygiene Post-Operation
- Dietary and Lifestyle Precautions
- When to Call Your Surgeon
- FAQs
Understanding Dry Socket
Dry socket is one of the most well-known (and dreaded) post-operative complications, especially after wisdom teeth removal. It occurs when the protective blood clot at the surgical site becomes dislodged too early, exposing the bone and nerves underneath.
When it happens: Usually 5 to 7 days after surgery
What it feels like:
- Intense pain that may radiate to your ear
- Foul odor or bad breath
- Unpleasant taste in your mouth
How to prevent it:
- Do not use straws for at least a week
- Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco
- Refrain from spitting or rinsing vigorously in the first 24 hours
- Keep physical activity light for the first few days
Infection Prevention
While infections after oral surgery are rare, they can happen. Early detection and prevention are key.
Signs of infection include:
- Persistent swelling or redness
- Pus or abscess formation
- Fever, chills, or sore throat
How to reduce your risk:
- Take all antibiotics exactly as prescribed, before and after surgery
- Gently brush around the surgical site after 24 hours
- Begin rinsing with warm salt water after the first 24 hours (no vigorous swishing)
- Keep your mouth clean and avoid touching the area with fingers or tongue
Nerve Damage After Wisdom Tooth Removal
Lower wisdom teeth often develop close to the inferior alveolar or lingual nerves, which can sometimes result in nerve changes.
What you might notice:
- Tingling, numbness, or a “pins and needles” sensation in the lower lip, chin, or tongue
How we minimize this risk:
- Preoperative panoramic or 3D imaging to assess nerve position
- Use of a coronectomy (removal of the crown only) when appropriate to protect nearby nerves
These sensations are almost always temporary and gradually improve as the nerves heal. Contact us if numbness persists more than 24 hours after surgery.
Bone Spurs or Fragments
It is common for small bone fragments, also called bone spurs or bone spicules, to surface as your body heals. These are tiny pieces of the bony socket that can work their way out naturally.
What to expect:
- A small hard piece poking through the gums
- Minor irritation or sensitivity
What to do:
- Leave it alone if it’s not causing pain
- Contact our office if it becomes painful or does not fall out on its own within a few days
General Oral Hygiene Post-Operation
It’s important to keep your mouth clean during recovery without disturbing the surgical site.
After the first 24 hours:
- Carefully resume brushing, avoiding the surgical area directly
- Begin warm salt water rinses 2–3 times a day (¼ teaspoon salt in a cup of warm water)
- Do not use mouthwash with alcohol during the healing phase
Staying consistent with gentle hygiene helps prevent infection and supports a healthy recovery.
Dietary and Lifestyle Precautions
Your diet plays a bigger role in healing than most people realize.
Avoid:
- Crunchy foods (chips, nuts)
- Spicy or acidic foods
- Chewy or sticky items (like gum or candy)
- Foods with small particles that can get lodged (like rice or seeds)
Stick to:
- Soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, scrambled eggs, and broth
- Lukewarm (not hot) meals
Exercise:
Avoid strenuous activity for at least 3–5 days after surgery. Increasing your heart rate too early can disturb the blood clot and prolong healing.
When to Call Your Surgeon
It is always better to ask than to wait. If you had oral surgery performed at one of our offices, call us right away if you experience:
- Pain that is not managed with prescribed pain medication
- Bleeding that lasts more than 30 minutes with applied pressure
- Swelling that worsens after the third day
- Signs of infection (fever, pus, foul odor)
- Persistent numbness lasting more than 24 hours after surgery
We are here to support you throughout your recovery.
Healing Is a Team Effort
Recovery depends as much on your post-operative care as it does on the procedure itself. Our team at AZ Max is committed to giving you the tools, information, and support you need for a complication-free recovery.
By following your post-operative instructions carefully, knowing what to look out for, and reaching out when something feels off, you can take an active role in protecting your health.
Have Questions or Concerns?
We are always just a phone call away. If you are unsure whether your symptoms are part of normal healing or something more serious, please reach out. Call or text (480) 830-5866 to speak with a member of our team.
FAQs
Normal healing pain typically improves over time and responds to medication. Dry socket pain often worsens around day 5-7, radiates to the ear or jaw, and may come with bad breath or a foul taste. If you suspect a dry socket, contact your oral surgeon.
Most patients should wait at least 4 or 5 days before returning to physical activity. Resuming too early can increase bleeding, dislodge the blood clot, and delay healing. Always follow the specific instructions given by your surgeon.
A foul taste or odor can be a sign of food trapped in the socket, poor oral hygiene, or in some cases, a dry socket or infection. Begin gentle saltwater rinses 24 hours after surgery and call your surgeon if the odor continues or worsens.
Initial healing takes about 1–2 weeks, complete healing of the gums 4-6 weeks, and complete healing of the bone can take several months. Your oral surgeon will provide a personalized timeline based on the procedure performed.
AZ Max Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons has offices in Mesa, North Mesa, Queen Creek, Tempe, and Show Low. We serve nearby areas like Gilbert, Chandler, Apache Junction, San Tan Valley, Scottsdale, and the White Mountains region. Call or text (480) 830-5866 to find the location closest to you.
