In Our Recovery Rooms
You wake up in a recovery room, where our nurses watch you or your child closely until you're ready to go home.
If your child had treatment, you join them as they wake up, so yours is one of the first faces they see.
For patients with sensory needs, we have a soundproof recovery room, so they can wake up somewhere quiet and calm.
Your First Days at Home
Here's a typical dental surgery recovery timeline. Everyone heals a little differently, so follow the instructions we give you.
- Bleeding:some oozing for 1 to 2 days is normal. Bite down on gauze for 30 minutes. If it keeps oozing, bite on a moist black tea bag.
- Swelling:it's usually worst on days 2 to 4, then fades by days 7 to 10.
- Ice, then heat:use an ice pack on your cheek for the first 24 to 36 hours. After that, switch to a warm compress.
- Numbness:your lips, tongue, or cheek may feel numb for a few hours. That's normal. Watch children closely so they don't bite or chew their numb lip or cheek.
- Stitches:if you have them, they dissolve on their own in 3 to 14 days.
What to Eat
Stick to soft, cool, or lukewarm foods for the first few days. A soft food list after oral surgery:
- Yogurt, pudding, and applesauce
- Scrambled eggs
- Mashed potatoes
- Smoothies (eaten with a spoon, not a straw)
- Oatmeal and cream of wheat, once lukewarm
- Soft pasta, beans, and cottage cheese
Wondering what to eat after a tooth extraction for your child? The same foods work. Aim for protein and fiber, not just juice, so your child has the energy to heal.
What to Avoid
- No straws and no spitting. Both can loosen the blood clot that helps you heal.
- No smoking.
- No fizzy drinks.
- Nothing hot, like hot soup, coffee, or tea.
When to Text or Call Us
Text or call us if you notice any of these:
- Signs of dry socket: an ache that gets worse instead of better, usually on days 4 to 7.
- Numbness that lasts longer than 24 hours.
- A fever.
Questions after surgery? Text or call us at 816-271-0110.
Common Questions
What can I eat after surgery?
Soft, cool, or lukewarm foods for the first few days, like yogurt, applesauce, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, and smoothies eaten with a spoon. The same soft foods work for children. Aim for protein and fiber, not just juice, so your child has the energy to heal.
How long does swelling last?
It's usually worst on days 2 to 4, then fades by days 7 to 10.
When should I text or call you after surgery?
Text or call us if you notice signs of dry socket (an ache that gets worse instead of better, usually on days 4 to 7), numbness that lasts longer than 24 hours, or a fever. You can reach us at 816-271-0110.
