Oral surgery can sound intimidating, especially when your only frame of reference is a wisdom tooth removal from years ago or a second-hand story of someone who “never recovered right.” Dental surgeons see the same myths and misconceptions repeated again and again – from what the surgery actually involves, to what patients believe they should or shouldn’t do afterward.
These outdated assumptions can delay recovery, worsen discomfort, or even lead to complications. If you’ve got an upcoming procedure on the calendar, or you’re just looking to be informed, here are the seven most common things people still get wrong about oral surgery and recovery – and what you should know instead.
Placerville Dentistry offers expert oral surgery and personalized recovery guidance to patients across the region, helping to correct these misunderstandings and deliver outcomes that feel less like surgery – and more like a step toward long-term health.
1. “It’s Just Like Any Other Dental Appointment”
Too many patients assume that oral surgery is just a longer version of a cleaning or cavity filling. But oral surgery involves deeper tissue work, often requiring incisions, sutures, or the removal of bone or soft tissue.
It’s not something you can drive home from and forget about after an hour. Patients need time to rest, heal, and follow a specific aftercare plan. Underestimating the seriousness of the procedure can lead to overexertion post-op, which raises the risk of bleeding, dry socket, or infection.
As Dr. Jerome Groopman of Harvard Medical School puts it, “The brain is a prediction machine… and in medicine, these predictions are often wrong.” When it comes to surgery, assuming it’s “no big deal” is a common (and risky) mistake.
2. “I’ll Bounce Back in a Day or Two”
While many modern surgical techniques at Placerville Dentistry are minimally invasive, that doesn’t mean you’re back to 100% immediately. Recovery times vary depending on the procedure and the individual. For example, surgical extractions, dental implants, and bone grafts can all require recovery periods of several days to a couple of weeks.
Swelling, bruising, or mild discomfort can persist for days. Some people try to “push through” and return to work or exercise too early – this only extends the healing timeline.
3. “I Don’t Need to Worry About What I Eat”
Soft food diets after surgery are a key part of recovery. Hard, crunchy, sticky, or hot foods can irritate the surgical site, dislodge blood clots, and increase the risk of complications.
Patients often think they can resume normal eating within a day or two, but healing tissues are still vulnerable. Placerville Dentistry advises patients to stick with soft, cool, nutrient-rich foods (like yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and scrambled eggs) for at least a few days, depending on the procedure.
4. “If I’m Not in Pain, I Don’t Need My Meds”
Pain is not the only thing your medication is managing. Prescribed medications – whether antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, or pain relievers – help reduce swelling, prevent infection, and support a smooth recovery. Skipping doses because you “feel fine” may lead to problems you won’t feel until it’s too late.
The World Health Organization reminds us, “Pain relief is a human right.” Managing pain properly isn’t just about comfort; it’s a critical part of healing. Placerville Dentistry provides detailed post-op instructions, including how and when to take medications. Patients are encouraged to complete their course, even if symptoms improve early on.
5. “Rinsing My Mouth Will Keep Things Clean”
Here’s where good intentions can backfire. While oral hygiene is important, rinsing too soon or too vigorously after surgery can dislodge the protective blood clot at the surgical site. This leads to dry socket – a painful complication that delays healing.
Placerville Dentistry recommends waiting at least 24 hours before gently rinsing with salt water and, even then, no forceful swishing.
6. “Bleeding Means Something Went Wrong”
A small amount of oozing or blood in your saliva is completely normal after oral surgery, especially within the first 24 hours. However, many patients become alarmed at even a slight sign of blood and worry the procedure didn’t go well.
In reality, mild bleeding is expected. What matters is how it’s managed. Biting down gently on clean gauze, staying upright, and avoiding suction (like drinking through straws or smoking) all help stabilize the area. If bleeding becomes heavy or prolonged, that’s when it’s time to contact your provider.
7. “Once It Stops Hurting, I’m Healed”
Pain relief doesn’t always mean complete healing. Tissues may feel better long before they’ve fully regenerated. Patients often resume normal brushing, chewing, or strenuous activity prematurely, increasing the risk of reopening the wound or introducing bacteria to healing sites.
This is why compliance with recovery instructions is so important. According to the Journal of the American Dental Association, “Patient adherence to postoperative instructions significantly reduces the risk of complications such as dry socket and infection.”
Placerville Dentistry emphasizes full recovery, not just pain management. They schedule follow-up visits to ensure that healing is progressing under the surface, not just symptomatically. Trusting this process helps avoid setbacks and ensures the longevity of implants, bone grafts, and other surgical work.
Final Thoughts
Misunderstandings about oral surgery are incredibly common but they don’t have to be. Clear communication, proper preparation, and a realistic understanding of what recovery looks like all contribute to better outcomes and fewer complications.
At Placerville Dentistry, patients receive expert care that goes beyond the surgery itself. From the moment you walk through the door to your final post-op check-in, every step is designed to ensure you’re informed, comfortable, and confident in your recovery.
Oral surgery doesn’t have to be daunting – not when you’ve got the facts, a great dental team, and a tailored recovery plan on your side.
References
Groopman, J. (2007). How doctors think. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Journal of the American Dental Association. (2014). Patient adherence to postoperative instructions and prevention of complications following dental surgery. Journal of the American Dental Association, 145(9), 887–895.
World Health Organization. (2012). WHO guidelines on the pharmacological treatment of persisting pain in adults with medical illnesses. World Health Organization Press.