Frequently Asked Questions

During the procedure, patients are kept comfortable with local anesthesia and, when appropriate, sedation options. Most patients feel little to no discomfort during surgery. Soreness and discomfort afterward is normal and is typically well managed with prescribed or over-the-counter medications.

Anesthesia options may include local anesthesia (commonly called Novocain), oral medication, IV sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the procedure and patient needs. Dr. Noblitt can recommend the safest and most appropriate options based on medical history and comfort level.

Yes, oral surgery is very safe. Oral surgery is a well-established and extremely safe field of dentistry. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are specifically trained to perform these procedures at the highest level, and patient monitoring is used throughout treatment to ensure safety. Interestingly, it is far more dangerous to simply drive than it is to be sedated for an oral surgery procedure!

Preparation may include fasting for at least 8 hours prior to surgery, arranging transportation home, and reviewing medications with your provider. You’ll also receive personalized instructions prior to your procedure.

If any form of sedation is used (oral sedation, IV sedation, or general anesthesia), you cannot drive. You will need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for a period of time after surgery.

This is very specific to each patient’s unique scenario. We will likely have you continue most of your daily medications, however, there are certain medications that we will have you hold prior to your surgery. We will discuss this with you and might even reach out to your other health care providers to establish a best plan for you.

Some procedures require sutures, also known as stitches. Most sutures dissolve on their own and do not need to be removed. In the event that the sutures do not dissolve, or they are not the type that dissolve, they can be removed in the office around 2 weeks after surgery unless otherwise specified.

Antibiotics are not always necessary. If prescribed, it’s important to take them exactly as directed. It is common to want to stop taking the antibiotics before they are all gone, but it is very important to take them all as directed.

Follow post-operative instructions carefully, avoid smoking or vaping during healing, maintain good oral hygiene, and attend follow-up appointments as recommended.

Coverage varies by procedure and insurance plan. Our office can help review benefits and submit claims on your behalf.

Recovery will vary from individual to individual and also depends on the exact procedure performed. However, in general you can expect slight oozing or bleeding for a few days after surgery, as well as some bruising or swelling. You may also note that your most uncomfortable days are between 3-5 days after surgery before they start to get better. If you notice excessive bleeding, severe pain, swelling that worsens after 3-5 days, or signs of infection such as fever or pus, contact our office immediately.

Recovery varies by procedure and individual. Many patients return to normal daily activities within a few days, while more complex procedures may require additional healing time. Dr. Noblitt and the team can provide detailed post-operative instructions to support recovery based on your scenario.

Depending on the surgery, swelling usually peaks within 48–72 hours and gradually improves over the next several days to several weeks. Cold compresses and keeping your head elevated can also help minimize swelling. A few ideas to keep your head elevated are adding a few extra pillows, using a sleeping wedge, sleeping in a recliner, or if you have a bed with an adjustable base, all work great!

Slight oozing or mild bleeding is completely normal, just note that blood is similar to food coloring - one small drop of blood makes everything turn red, so please expect to see a lot of red! Also keep in mind that our mouths are filled with saliva which can mix with the blood and seem like a lot more than it actually is.

Keep the area clean. Do not smoke, spit, swish aggressively, use straws, or eat hard/crunchy/spicy foods until your mouth has healed. This is often up to 1-2 weeks after surgery. Get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids, avoid alcohol and hot beverages.

Gently rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution or an antiseptic mouthwash as directed by your surgeon. Avoid vigorous rinsing or touching the site with your fingers or tongue. Continue brushing your teeth but avoid the surgical area to prevent irritation. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and be gentle around the site.

We can assess this on a case by case basis. Most stitches start coming loose around 4 or 5 days after surgery, but they can stick around for up to several weeks after surgery. If the stitches start to come out before 4 days, please reach out to the office.

Pain control is customized for each patient and surgery. Apply ice packs to the outside of your face near the surgical site for the first 24-48 hours to reduce swelling. Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications as directed by the team.

Soft foods are recommended after surgery, such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies (without straws), and soup. An easy test is to see if you can easily squish the food with the flat side of a fork. If you can squish it, it is probably soft enough to eat. It is also advised to refrain from anything very hot or very spicy as these can irritate or burn the wounds. As healing progresses, you can gradually return to a normal diet based on Dr. Noblitt’s guidance.

While complications are uncommon, they may include infection, dry socket, or temporary numbness. Following post-operative instructions greatly reduces these risks. Please reach out to the team if you have questions about these complications.

If you have questions, concerns, or emergency symptoms, contact Glacier Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery during business hours. For after-hours urgent issues, follow the emergency contact instructions provided at your visit.