Oral Surgery FAQs
Having oral surgery performed can be a complicated process, and many patients have questions concerning the nature of the procedure, what the recovery process is like, and what to do if any complications arise. To help prepare for your procedure and the recovery that will follow, please refer to the following frequently asked questions.
Q: How long will it take to recover, and when can I return to my normal routine?
A: Every patient will have a different recovery time that will be informed by the severity of the surgery that is performed, their unique ability to heal, and how closely patients follow instructions for post-operative care. If you follow post-operative care instructions closely and allow yourself time to rest, your recovery time will be much faster, and your risk of developing infections will be significantly reduced.
Q: How long will I need to keep pressure on the gauze?
A: You should maintain pressure on the gauze for a minimum of 30 minutes after returning home from your oral surgery. After you have reached 30 minutes, remove the gauze and inspect the area for additional blood flow. If there continues to be blood flowing from the area where surgery occurred, place a new piece of gauze and again, bite down for 30 minutes.
Q: What if the bleeding hasn’t stopped after 30 minutes?
A: If you continue to see blood on the gauze following this time period, it is important to stay calm. The first question you need to ask yourself is, “Have I been maintaining firm pressure during this entire time?” If not, this may be a reason why the bleeding has not stopped. Attempt another 30-minute interval of maintaining constant firm pressure, making sure that your remain still and do not talk or spit during this period. It may also be helpful to bite down on a moistened tea bag during this time, as doing so can help facilitate the clotting process.
Q: Is it normal to experience nausea?
A: Nausea following oral surgery is most commonly caused by pain medications. Drinking milk or eating food prior to taking your first dose can help prevent or alleviate feelings of nausea.
Q: How can I reduce or eliminate pain and how long will the pain last?
A: Pain following oral surgery will vary depending upon the procedure that is performed. It may be helpful to take over the counter pain relievers, or for more extreme oral surgical procedures, you may be prescribed pain medication. If you are prescribed pain medication, it is critical to follow the prescribed dosage.
Q: Why does my tongue/lip feel numb?
A: It is common to experience numbness on the gums, tongue, and lips following lower jaw surgery. Fortunately, this will go away after a few days for most patients, and there are typically no negative side effects associated with this numbness.
Q: Does my insurance plan cover oral surgery?
A: Every plan has different coverage, so it is important to talk with your dentist or oral surgeon before having surgery to determine what your expected costs will be.
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