How Do I Know If Something Is Wrong After Dental Surgery?

Dental surgery—such as a tooth extraction, dental implant placement, gum treatment, or root canal—is a routine and safe procedure. However, it’s natural to feel unsure about what is considered normal healing and what may be a sign of a problem afterward. So, how do you know if something is wrong after dental surgery? At Woodfield Dental in London, Ontario, we provide clear after-care instructions and follow-up support to help ensure a smooth recovery. Below is a helpful guide to understanding what is normal and when to contact us.

What Is Normal After Dental Surgery?

It’s expected to experience some mild side effects during the first few days of healing, such as:
  • Mild discomfort 
  • Soreness when chewing 
  • Slight swelling 
  • Minor bleeding during the first 24 hours 
  • Tightness or stiffness in the jaw 
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold foods 
  • Bruising around the jaw (in some cases) 
These symptoms should gradually improve each day.

Signs That Your Recovery Is Going Well

You’re healing properly if:
  • Swelling peaks around day 2–3 and then begins to decrease 
  • Pain becomes less intense each day 
  • Any bleeding stops within the first 24 hours 
  • You can begin returning to normal routines after 2–3 days 
  • The surgical site looks clean and free of odor 
If everything is steadily improving, your healing is on track.

How to Know If Something May Be Wrong

Contact us if you notice any of the following:

1. Pain That Gets Worse Instead of Better

Discomfort is normal—but pain should improve over time, not increase. If pain becomes severe or spikes again after seeming to improve, this could be a concern.

2. Persistent or Heavy Bleeding

Light bleeding or pink saliva is normal in the first day. However, continuous bleeding that does not slow after applying gentle pressure should be checked.

3. Swelling That Continues to Increase After Day 3

Swelling should peak by day 2 or 3 and then gradually go down. Increasing or severe swelling may indicate infection.

4. Fever or Chills

A fever after the first 24–48 hours can be a sign that your body is fighting an infection.

5. Bad Taste, Odor, or Discharge

Any foul smell, bad taste, or visible discharge from the surgical site should be evaluated.

6. Difficulty Opening Your Mouth

If your jaw becomes unusually stiff or it is painful to open your mouth, let us know.

7. Exposed Bone or Missing Clot (Dry Socket)

After an extraction, if the socket appears empty, painful, or has exposed bone, you may have dry socket, which requires treatment.

When to Contact Woodfield Dental

If you experience any symptoms that concern you, no matter how small they may seem, we encourage you to contact our office. It is always better to check early and feel reassured than to wait and risk complications. We are here to support you — your comfort and healing matter.

How We Help You Heal Smoothly

At Woodfield Dental in London, Ontario, we provide:
  • Clear before-and-after instructions 
  • Friendly follow-up check-ins when needed 
  • Guidance on pain management 
  • Personalized care based on your unique recovery needs 
You are not healing alone — we accompany you every step of the way.

Have Questions or Concerns?

If you are unsure about any part of your healing process, we’re here to help.

Contact Woodfield Dental

Call us anytime during our office hours and we will guide you, answer your questions, or schedule a follow-up visit if needed. Your health, safety, and peace of mind always come first.