Healing After Oral Surgery: 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid
You’ve made it through your procedure — now the focus shifts to healing well and getting back to normal as soon as possible. But even with clear instructions, some patients accidentally slow down recovery by making a few common mistakes.
1. Getting Back to Normal Too Fast
It’s tempting to jump back into your usual routine right away. But pushing yourself too soon can increase swelling and discomfort — or even cause complications like a dry socket after an extraction.
Take it easy for at least a few days. Rest, stay hydrated, and give your body the time it needs to recover.
2. Ignoring Food Guidelines
Crunchy chips, spicy salsa, and hot soup might sound tempting, but the wrong foods can irritate a surgical site or loosen stitches.
Stick with soft, cool foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, or smoothies (without a straw!) until Dr. Pollock says it’s safe to return to your usual favorites.
3. Using Straws or Smoking
Drinking through a straw or smoking too soon can dislodge the blood clot that protects your healing socket. This can lead to painful dry socket, infection, or delayed healing.
Plan ahead to avoid straws and hold off on smoking for as long as possible — ideally at least a week.
4. Skipping Medications or Follow-Up Visits
Your prescribed pain medication or antibiotics aren’t optional. Take them exactly as directed to manage discomfort and prevent infection.
And don’t skip your follow-up appointment — it’s the best way for Dr. Pollock to catch any small issues before they become bigger problems.
5. Not Keeping the Area Clean
After surgery, gentle care is key. Brush and rinse as instructed — not too aggressively, but enough to keep bacteria away. If you’re unsure how to clean around the area, just ask our team for guidance.
Heal Well and Get Back to Your Smile
A smooth recovery starts with good habits. Avoid these common missteps, follow your aftercare instructions closely, and reach out to us if you have any concerns.
Questions about recovery or an upcoming procedure? Call Rockwall Oral Surgery at (469) 757-4433 or schedule a consultation. Dr. Pollock and our team are always here to help you heal with confidence.
