Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I have to come back for a follow up?
You only have to come back for a follow-up if specifically recommended by surgical staff.

2. How long do I keep the gauze in for?
Keep the gauze in for 1 hour postoperatively, and only replace as needed if there is bleeding.

3. When the gauze comes out do I need to put more in?
Only replace the gauze if you continue to have bleeding. Some bleeding is normal and expected.

4. What do I do if I have a bleeding issue? (Do I call you or go to ER)
If you have a lot of bleeding that won’t stop with normal measures, call our office. A doctor is available after hours for emergencies.

5. How long am I going to be numb for?
Local anesthesia can last for 4 hours or even longer depending on the type of block and anesthetic used

6. Are the stitches dissolvable or do I need to come back?
You will be directed to return to the office by surgical staff if your sutures need to be removed.

7. Why does the suture feel so long?
It is normal for sutures to feel long in the mouth, because of natural increased sensory awareness in the area.

8. How long do the sutures stay in for?
Sutures can take 1-2 weeks or even longer to dissolve, depending on the type used.

9. What is the healing time involved?
Healing time is variable depending on the procedure performed. It may take 1-2 weeks or even longer to feel “normal”.

10. Theres a hole in my mouth, how long does it take to fill in?
After a typical extraction, it can take 1-2 weeks for the soft tissue to heal over the socket.

11. When and what can I eat? Do you have a list of soft food recommendations?
After 1 hour of gauze compression postoperatively, you can have something soft to eat. Soft foods aren’t crunchy or chewy, and they have a mushy or oatmeal-like consistency. This can include overcooked pasta, scrambled eggs, pudding, yogurt, soup, and ice cream.

12. How long do I have to do the soft foods for?
Depending on your surgery, you should eat only soft foods for about 1 week.

13. What can I take for pain?
Your postoperative instruction sheet contains information about taking alternating doses of over-the-counter ibuprofen or Aleve, and Tylenol. However, your doctor may prescribe a prescription pain reliever, such as Toradol, Percocet or Vicodin. In this case, follow the directions and take as directed.

14. How long and often do I need to continue the saltwater rinsing?
We normally recommend salt water rinses around mealtimes for approximately 1 week. However, your doctor may give you different directions for rinsing specific to your surgery.

15. When can I start brushing my teeth?
After 24 hours, you can start brushing your teeth again carefully, but still staying away from the surgical site(s).

16. When can I start playing sports/swimming/exercising again?
Depending on your surgery, we typically allow return to more intense physical activity after 7 days postoperatively.

17. When can I go back to work or school?
Depending on your type of work, you can typically return to work after 3-4 days. We can provide a doctor’s note as needed. Returning to school can be a similar timeframe.

18. How long do I have to wait before getting other dental work done? (if they have a cleaning or fillings coming up)
Depending on the type of dental work needed and oral surgery performed, you can typically return to your dentist after 2 weeks for routine dental care.

19. How long do I have to wait to wear my retainers, partial, nightguard and/or CPAP machine?
Retainers, partial dentures and nightguards can typically be worn 3-5 days postoperatively. CPAP machines and their postoperative use should be specifically addressed with your oral surgeon. This can be related to your sinuses or other anatomical structures were involved during your surgery.

20. When can I travel and fly?
Depending on the surgery performed, it is safe to fly after 5-7 days. However, travel plans should be reviewed with your doctor.

21. Does pineapple juice help with swelling?
There is no definitive peer-reviewed study establishing that pineapple juice helps with postoperative swelling.

22. How long is this going to take?
A normal single tooth extraction can take 20-30 minutes. Bigger cases such as wisdom teeth or implants can take an hour or longer.

23. Do you make the crowns?
Our practice does not provide dental restorative services, such as crowns, bridges, fillings, root canals, or cleanings

24. How long will I be without my crown after the implant placement?
Dental implant healing, before crown placement, can take 4-6 months or sometimes longer.

25. What are the steps involved? Graft, “manhole cover”, Stage 2
The typical progression of implant treatment is: dental implant surgery, stage 2 check, then restoration (crown) at your dentist’s office. Sometimes bone grafting is needed to build up the foundation for the implant before placement.