Top Mistakes to Avoid After Oral Surgery

To help ensure proper healing and avoid complications, please read and follow these common post-op “don’ts.” If you’re ever unsure, call us first.

🚫 1. Do not spit, rinse, or use a straw within the first 24 hours

This can dislodge the blood clot and lead to a painful condition called dry socket.

🚫 2. Do not smoke or vape — especially if you are receiving or healing from an implant

Smoking and vaping restrict blood flow and significantly increase the risk of infection, dry socket, delayed healing, and implant failure.

If you are getting a dental implant, you should not smoke or vape at all. Even occasional nicotine use can compromise the long-term success of the implant.
If you’ve already had surgery, do not smoke or vape until you are completely healed. This may take several months depending on your procedure.
Nicotine, including vaping products, interferes with bone healing and the body’s ability to integrate implants.

🚫 3. Keep your blood sugar and blood pressure under control

Uncontrolled diabetes or hypertension can impair healing and increase the chance of implant failure, infection, or poor surgical outcomes.

Healing is slower when blood sugar or blood pressure levels are not well managed.
If your levels are unstable, notify our team before surgery so we can properly support your recovery.
This is especially important for implant patients, as the body’s ability to heal directly affects the success of the procedure.

🚫 4. Do not eat hot, crunchy, spicy, or sticky foods too soon

These can irritate the surgical site, increase bleeding, or become trapped in healing areas.

🚫 5. Do not touch the surgical site with your tongue, fingers, or food

Touching the area can introduce bacteria and delay healing.

🚫 6. Do not skip your medications or change dosages on your own

Take all medications as prescribed. Skipping doses or self-adjusting can increase the risk of infection or pain.

🚫 7. Do not lay flat without a pillow

Keep your head elevated to minimize swelling and bleeding, especially for the first few nights.

🚫 8. Do not resume strenuous activity too soon

Avoid intense physical activity, heavy lifting, or workouts for at least 3 days—or longer if instructed by your surgeon.

🚫 9. Do not miss your follow-up appointment

We use this visit to monitor healing, remove sutures (if needed), and catch any concerns early.

If you are unsure about symptoms or healing, call us before trying to manage it on your own. Early support prevents bigger issues.

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