At Smile Studio Dentistry of Baltimore, we recognize that undergoing oral surgery may evoke feelings of anxiety. Under the guidance of Dr. Neena Joshi, we strive to create an atmosphere where our patients feel calm and well-informed throughout their surgical experience.
Read this first
These guidelines from Smile Studio Dentistry of Baltimore support your specific instructions from Neena Joshi. If anything differs from what you were told at surgery, follow those directions. Call 410-435-8080 with questions.
Bleeding control (first 2–3 hours)
Bite firmly on the gauze for 30–45 minutes, then replace as needed until oozing slows.
Keep your head elevated; avoid spitting, rinsing, or using straws today.
A little pink saliva is normal. If bleeding pools or restarts, place fresh gauze and apply steady pressure.
Swelling and discomfort
Apply a cold pack to the cheek 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off for the first 24–48 hours.
Sleep with your head elevated the first two nights.
Take only the pain medicines prescribed or recommended by Neena Joshi, exactly as directed.
Food and drink
Start with cool, soft foods (yogurt, smoothies without seeds, mashed potatoes, eggs, soup at lukewarm temperature).
Hydrate well. Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, or seedy foods today.
No straws, alcohol, or carbonated drinks for at least 24 hours, or as advised.
Activity
Rest the day of surgery. Limit heavy lifting, sports, or bending for 48 hours.
Resume normal activity gradually as you feel comfortable.
Oral hygiene
Do not rinse or brush the surgical area today.
Starting tomorrow, rinse gently 2–3 times daily with warm salt water and resume careful brushing, avoiding the site until comfortable.
Keep any removable appliance clean per your instructions.
Stitches
Dissolvable stitches usually loosen on their own.
If you received non-dissolving sutures, we will remove them at your follow-up visit.
Medications
Take antibiotics (if prescribed) exactly as directed and finish the course.
Do not drive, operate machinery, or drink alcohol if taking sedative or narcotic medications.
Tell us if you experience rash, hives, or stomach upset.
Smoking and vaping
Do not smoke or vape; this greatly increases the risk of dry socket and delayed healing. Avoid for at least 72 hours, or as directed by Neena Joshi.
Dry socket awareness
A dry socket can cause throbbing pain that increases 2–4 days after extraction and may radiate to the ear or jaw. Call 410-435-8080 if this occurs.
Special notes for implants, grafts, or sinus procedures
Do not disturb the area or pull on the lip/cheek to look at stitches.
Avoid nose blowing and sneeze with your mouth open if instructed after sinus procedures.
Stick to a soft diet until cleared by Neena Joshi.
When to contact us
Call 410-435-8080 right away for heavy bleeding that won’t stop with pressure, increasing facial swelling after day two, fever or chills, foul taste or drainage, severe pain not helped by medication, persistent nausea/vomiting, or any concern that worries you.
After-hours and emergencies
If you develop difficulty breathing, chest pain, uncontrolled bleeding, or facial swelling that compromises your airway, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. For urgent dental concerns after hours, call 410-435-8080 and follow the prompts.