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When you have oral surgery, whether it’s a tooth extraction, dental implant placement, or jaw surgery, your recovery depends on protecting the surgical site and preventing complications.
By knowing what’s normal, what isn’t, and how to take care of your mouth after the procedure, you can minimize discomfort and avoid unnecessary setbacks.
This guide explains how to lower your risk of infection, prevent dry socket, and recognize other potential adverse effects so you can heal quickly and confidently.
Table of Contents
- Dry Socket: What It Is and How to Avoid It
- Preventing Post-Extraction Infection
- Nerve Damage: Rare but Possible
- Bone Spurs: When to Call Your Surgeon
- Oral Hygiene After Surgery
- Diet & Lifestyle for Better Healing
- When to Call Your Oral Surgeon
- Protect Your Recovery With Expert Care
- FAQ
Dry Socket: What It Is and How to Avoid It
A dry socket happens when the blood clot that forms after a tooth extraction becomes dislodged or dissolves too early, exposing bone and nerves underneath.
When it occurs: Usually 7-10 days after an extraction.
Common symptoms:
- Aching, radiating pain that may extend to the ear or jaw
- Foul taste or odor from the surgical site
- An empty-looking socket
Prevention tips:
- Avoid straws for at least a week
- Don’t smoke or vape, nicotine slows healing
- Eat soft foods and chew away from the extraction site
- Rinse gently after 24 hours as directed by your surgeon
Preventing Post-Extraction Infection
A post-extraction infection can occur when bacteria enter the surgical site during healing.
Signs of infection:
- Pain that worsens instead of improving after 72 hours
- Swelling that increases rather than decreases
- Fever or chills
- Discharge or pus from the site
How to lower your risk:
- Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed
- Keep the area clean without disrupting the blood clot
- Wash your hands before touching your mouth or changing gauze
- Use gentle saltwater rinses starting 24 hours after surgery (unless instructed otherwise)
Nerve Damage: Rare but Possible
Temporary nerve irritation is a rare adverse effect of certain oral surgeries, including impacted tooth removal and jaw procedures.
Possible symptoms:
- Tingling or numbness in the lips, tongue, chin, cheek, or gums
- Difficulty sensing hot or cold in the affected area
Most nerve symptoms improve within weeks or months. Always report persistent numbness to your surgeon, within 24-48 hours of surgery so they can monitor your recovery.
Bone Spurs: When to Call Your Surgeon
Bone spurs, also called bone spicules, are small fragments of bone that sometimes surface after extractions or other procedures.
They are not dangerous but may cause irritation. If a spur is sharp, painful, or doesn’t resolve in one to two weeks, your surgeon can remove it quickly and comfortably.
Oral Hygiene After Surgery
Keeping your mouth clean is essential for preventing infection and supporting healing after oral surgery.
- Follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully and take extra care around the surgical site.
- Brush gently around the surgical site after the first 24 hours using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Do not use mouthwash unless prescribed by your surgeon.
- Use saltwater rinses 3–4 times daily to reduce bacteria and promote healing.
Diet & Lifestyle for Better Healing
What you eat and how you care for your body during recovery can make a big difference in your healing time and comfort level. Choose foods and activities that protect the surgical area.
- Choose cool, soft foods like yogurt, pudding, and mashed potatoes.
- Avoid alcohol for the first few days, it can interfere with clot formation.
- Skip strenuous activities that could raise your heart rate and cause bleeding.
- Stay hydrated with water throughout the day.
When to Call Your Oral Surgeon
Contact your surgeon right away if you notice:
- Severe or worsening pain despite medication
- Excessive bleeding that won’t stop with gauze pressure
- Fever or persistent swelling
- Numbness lasting longer than expected (>24 hours after surgery)
- Signs of post-extraction infection such as pus or foul odor
Protect Your Recovery With Expert Care
At AZ Max Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, our team combines advanced surgical skill with compassionate, personalized aftercare. Whether you’ve had a tooth extraction, dental implant surgery, or complex jaw or facial procedure, we’re committed to helping you heal comfortably while avoiding unnecessary complications.
Schedule your follow-up or consultation today and let our experienced oral surgeons in Mesa, North Mesa, Tempe, Queen Creek, and Show Low, help you protect your oral health.
To book an appointment at any one of our locations, call or text (480) 830-5866.
FAQ
A blood clot usually forms within the first 24 hours and plays a critical role in protecting the socket during healing. Avoid activities that could dislodge it, such as spitting forcefully or drinking through a straw.
Cool, soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, pudding, and mashed potatoes are best in the first 24–48 hours. Avoid crunchy, spicy, or very hot foods, or foods with nuts or seeds, until your surgeon gives the go-ahead.
Swelling typically peaks 48–72 hours after surgery, then gradually decreases. Using ice packs in the first 24-72 hours can help minimize it. Thereafter switch to heat which will help the body clear the swelling that did form.
Mild discomfort is normal during recovery, but pain that worsens after the third day, especially with swelling or fever, may indicate a post-extraction infection. Contact your surgeon promptly.
This depends on the complexity of your surgery. Many patients return to light activities within 2–3 days, but strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least a week.
There’s no pill that guarantees prevention, but following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions, avoiding smoking, and protecting the blood clot greatly reduces your risk.
AZ Max Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons has several locations, making it easy to find expert care nearby. Our offices serve patients from many surrounding communities such as Eastmark, Chandler and Gilbert, so whether you need a follow-up visit or a new consultation, there is likely an AZ Max location close to you.
