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● Post-surgery aftercare guide

Your recovery
matters to us

You've just had dental surgery — now let's make sure you heal well. Follow these aftercare guidelines from your dentist at Trust Dental Surgery.

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Have questions about your recovery? We're here to help — just reach out.

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GENERAL GUIDELINES

First steps after any dental surgery

No matter which procedure you had, these general guidelines apply to all dental surgeries.

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Rest Well

Take it easy for the first 24–48 hours. Keep your head slightly elevated when lying down. Avoid bending over or lifting heavy objects.

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Avoid Strenuous Activity

Skip exercise, sports, and heavy physical work for at least 2–3 days. Increased blood flow can worsen swelling and cause bleeding at the surgical site.

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Take Medications as Prescribed

Follow your dentist's instructions for pain relief, antibiotics, and any other medications. Complete the full course of antibiotics even if you feel better.

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Attend Follow-ups

Keep all scheduled follow-up appointments. Your dentist needs to check healing progress, remove stitches if needed, and address any concerns.

PROCEDURE-SPECIFIC CARE

Aftercare for your procedure

Select the procedure you had for specific recovery instructions from your dental surgeon.

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After Implant Surgery

Your implant needs time to integrate with the jawbone. Proper care in the first few weeks is important for a good outcome.

  • Stick to soft foods (porridge, soup, yoghurt) for the first week
  • Avoid chewing on the implant side until your dentist says it is safe
  • Do not smoke — smoking significantly impairs healing
  • Some swelling is normal for 2–3 days and will gradually subside
  • Gently brush surrounding teeth; avoid disturbing the surgical area
Learn more about dental implants
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After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom tooth removal requires careful aftercare for the first few days. We have prepared a detailed guide to help you through recovery.

  • Bite on gauze pad for 30–45 minutes after surgery
  • Apply ice packs to reduce swelling (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off)
  • Eat soft, cool foods for the first 2–3 days
  • Do not use a straw — the suction can dislodge the blood clot
Read the full wisdom tooth recovery guide
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After Root Canal Treatment

Your tooth has been saved from infection. Protect it now to ensure it lasts.

  • A crown appointment is needed within 2–4 weeks to protect the treated tooth
  • Avoid chewing hard or crunchy foods on the treated tooth until the crown is placed
  • Mild soreness for 2–3 days is normal and should improve steadily
  • Take prescribed pain medication regularly for the first day or two
  • Continue brushing and flossing gently around the treated area
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After Tooth Extraction

A blood clot needs to form in the socket for proper healing. Protecting that clot is key.

  • Bite firmly on the gauze pad for 30–45 minutes after the procedure
  • Do not rinse, spit, or use a straw for the first 24 hours
  • After 24 hours, rinse gently with warm salt water (half teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water)
  • Eat soft foods and chew on the opposite side
  • Avoid hot food and drinks for the rest of the day
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After Gum Surgery

Gum tissue is delicate and needs careful attention during healing. Be extra gentle around the surgical site.

  • Brush teeth gently — use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid the surgical area for the first few days
  • Use the prescribed mouthwash (usually chlorhexidine) as directed by your dental surgeon
  • Maintain a soft diet for at least one week — avoid crunchy, spicy, or acidic foods
  • Do not floss near the surgical site until your dentist advises it is safe to do so
  • Some bleeding and swelling is expected for the first 2–3 days
  • Avoid smoking and alcohol, which delay healing and increase risk of complications

Need a follow-up appointment? Book one easily via WhatsApp.

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PAIN MANAGEMENT

Managing discomfort after surgery

Some pain and swelling is a normal part of healing. Here is how to manage it effectively.

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Medication Schedule

Take prescribed painkillers at regular intervals for the first 1–2 days, rather than waiting for pain to build up. Follow the dosage instructions carefully. If prescribed antibiotics, complete the full course.

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Ice Packs

Apply a cold pack wrapped in a towel to the outside of your cheek for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. This is most effective during the first 24–48 hours to reduce swelling and numb discomfort.

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What's Normal vs What's Not

Mild to moderate pain, slight swelling, and minor oozing are normal for the first 2–3 days. Pain should gradually decrease each day. If pain increases after day 3, or swelling gets worse, contact your dentist.

When to Contact Us

While most recoveries go smoothly, some symptoms may need attention. Contact your dentist at Trust Dental if you experience any of the following:

  • Fever above 38°C that does not subside
  • Uncontrolled or heavy bleeding that persists after biting on gauze
  • Pain that increases or becomes severe after day 3
  • Pus or foul-tasting discharge from the surgical site
  • Numbness that has not resolved after 24 hours
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Jurong West: 8666 6759  •  Clementi: 8666 8035

Concerned about your healing? Our team can check on you — no extra charge.

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NEED A FOLLOW-UP?

Schedule your post-surgery review

If you have had dental surgery at Trust Dental and need to book a follow-up appointment, or if you are experiencing any concerns during recovery, get in touch with us.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED

Post-surgery questions

How long does recovery take after dental surgery?

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Recovery time varies by procedure. Simple extractions typically heal within 3–5 days. Wisdom tooth surgery may take 5–7 days for initial recovery. Dental implant surgery usually requires 3–5 days before you feel comfortable, with full integration taking several months. Root canal recovery is generally 2–3 days. Your dentist at Trust Dental will give you a personalised recovery timeline.

What painkillers can I take after dental surgery?

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Your dentist will prescribe appropriate pain medication based on your procedure. Common options include paracetamol and ibuprofen. Always take medications as prescribed and at regular intervals for the first 1–2 days, rather than waiting for pain to build up. Do not take aspirin as it can increase bleeding. If prescribed antibiotics, complete the full course even if you feel better.

When can I eat normally after dental surgery?

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For most procedures, start with soft foods (porridge, soup, yoghurt, mashed potato) for the first 2–3 days. Gradually reintroduce firmer foods as comfort allows. Avoid very hot, spicy, or crunchy foods during the first week. For dental implants, your dentist will advise when it is safe to chew on the implant side — this may take several weeks.

When should I go for my follow-up appointment?

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Follow-up timing depends on the procedure. After wisdom tooth surgery or extractions, a check-up is usually scheduled within 1–2 weeks. After dental implant placement, follow-ups are typically at 1 week, then at regular intervals during the healing period. After root canal, you will need a crown appointment within 2–4 weeks. Always attend your scheduled follow-ups, even if you feel fine.

What foods should I avoid after dental surgery?

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Avoid hard, crunchy foods like nuts, chips, and raw vegetables for the first week. Stay away from very hot, spicy, or acidic foods and drinks that can irritate the surgical site. Do not consume alcohol during the recovery period, especially if you are taking prescribed medications. Stick to soft, lukewarm foods such as porridge, soup, yoghurt, and mashed potato.

Can I take regular painkillers after dental surgery?

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You should only take the medications prescribed or recommended by your dentist. Paracetamol and ibuprofen are commonly used for post-surgical pain relief. Avoid aspirin, as it can thin the blood and increase bleeding. If your prescribed painkillers are not managing your pain effectively, contact your dentist rather than increasing the dose on your own.

When can I brush and floss normally after dental surgery?

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You can brush your other teeth on the same day as your surgery, but avoid the surgical area for the first 24 to 48 hours. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and be gentle near the wound. Flossing around the surgical site should be avoided until your dentist confirms it is safe, usually at your follow-up appointment. Your dentist may prescribe a chlorhexidine mouthwash to keep the area clean in the meantime.

Is some bleeding normal after dental surgery?

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Yes, mild oozing or slight bleeding is normal for the first 12 to 24 hours after most dental surgeries. Bite gently on a clean gauze pad for 30 to 45 minutes to help control bleeding. Avoid spitting, rinsing, or using a straw during the first 24 hours as these actions can dislodge the blood clot. If heavy bleeding persists beyond a few hours, contact your dentist.

How do I know if my surgical wound is infected?

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Signs of a possible infection include increasing pain after day 3 (instead of gradually improving), persistent swelling that worsens, fever above 38 degrees Celsius, pus or a foul-tasting discharge from the surgical site, and red or warm skin around the wound. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your dentist promptly so that appropriate treatment can be provided.

When should I schedule my follow-up visit after dental surgery?

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Your dentist at Trust Dental will schedule a follow-up appointment before you leave the clinic, typically within 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. This visit is important for checking healing progress, removing sutures if needed, and addressing any concerns. Even if you feel fine, always attend your scheduled follow-up to ensure everything is healing properly.

We follow up after every procedure. Your wellbeing is our priority.

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DENTAL HEALTH BLOG

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RECOVERY

What to Eat After Wisdom Tooth Surgery

A guide to soft foods and nutrition tips for a smooth recovery.

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AFTERCARE

Managing Swelling After Dental Surgery

Practical tips to reduce swelling and speed up your recovery.

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ORAL HEALTH

When to Call Your Dentist After Surgery

Warning signs to watch for during your recovery period.

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Clinics in Jurong West and Clementi. Open evenings.

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FIND US

Two clinics in the heartlands

Conveniently located in Jurong West and Clementi — follow-up appointments available.

Jurong West
Blk 491 Jurong West Ave 1, #01-171, Singapore 640491
8666 6759
Mon – Thu10am – 8:30pm
Fri – Sat10am – 5:30pm
Sun & Public HolidaysClosed
WhatsApp 8666 6759
Clementi
Blk 431 Clementi Ave 3, #01-344, Singapore 120431
8666 8035
Mon – Thu10am – 8:30pm
Fri – Sat10am – 5:30pm
Sun & Public HolidaysClosed
WhatsApp 8666 8035
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