Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery • Forest Hills, Queens
After Oral Surgery

Post-surgery instructions and recovery basics.

Good postoperative care supports healing and helps you recognize when you should contact the office.

Always follow the instructions provided for your specific procedure. The information below is a general overview and does not replace the directions given by your surgeon.

Bleeding and swelling

Some oozing, swelling and soreness are expected after many oral-surgery procedures. Use gauze, cold packs and medications exactly as directed. Do not disturb the surgical site unnecessarily.

Food, activity and hygiene

A soft diet may be recommended initially. Avoid vigorous rinsing, smoking and strenuous activity until instructed. Keep the rest of the mouth clean while being gentle around the surgical site.

When to call

Contact the office for uncontrolled bleeding, rapidly worsening swelling, fever, severe or escalating pain, difficulty breathing or swallowing, medication reactions, or any symptom that concerns you. Emergency symptoms require emergency medical care.

Not sure which procedure applies to you?

Use the six treatment shortcuts in the mobile hero or request a consultation and describe the problem in your own words.

At a glance

How this treatment is approached.

FirstProtect the clot

Follow gauze and rinsing instructions carefully.

NextControl swelling

Use recommended cold packs, medication and activity restrictions.

WatchKnow warning signs

Call for symptoms that are severe, worsening or unexpected.

Common questions

What patients ask about after oral surgery.

These answers are general. Your surgeon will tailor recommendations to your examination and imaging.

Smoking can interfere with healing and increase complications. Follow the surgeon’s specific restrictions.

Activity restrictions vary by procedure. Avoid strenuous activity until the surgeon says it is safe.

Soft foods are commonly recommended early in recovery. Avoid foods that can traumatize or lodge in the surgical site.

Forest Hills, Queens

Talk with an oral surgeon about your next step.

Call or request an appointment to discuss your symptoms, imaging and treatment options with the surgical team.

CLICK TO CALLRequest Appointment