Tori Removal Recovery & Aftercare Instructions

Dr. Steven Seibert, Dr. Haider Aljewari and his team are dedicated to helping you have a smooth recovery from tori removal surgery. Following your post-operative instructions carefully will support proper healing and comfort after your procedure. Whether you had mandibular tori removal (lower jaw) or palatal tori reduction (roof of the mouth), good home care makes a big difference in recovery. 

Do NOT eat anything after Tori removal surgery until the anesthesia wears off, as you might bite your lips, cheek, or tongue and cause damage. You will probably have some discomfort when the anesthesia wears off; take your non-aspirin pain medication(s) as directed, whether it is prescribed or over-the-counter. 

Medications After Tori Removal Surgery 

• Please take 600 mg of ibuprofen (equivalent to 3 tablets of over-the-counter Ibuprofen or Advil) every 4-6 hours for the next 3-5 days. 

• Please take it as instructed, whether the area hurts or not. 

• Do NOT exceed 2400 mg (12 tabs) in 24 hours!! 

AND/OR (You may alternate Ibuprofen and Tylenol pain medications for better pain coverage) 

• Please take Extra Strength Tylenol 1000 mg (equal to 2 tabs of over-the-counter Extra Strength Tylenol) every 4-6 hours for the next 3-5 days. 

• Please take it as instructed, whether the area hurts or not. 

• Do NOT exceed 4000 mg (8 tabs) in 24 hours!!! 

• AVOID OVERDOSE! If and when you are taking Naproxen, please only take 1 tab of Extra Strength Tylenol. These prescription medications contain Tylenol. 
• You may have been given a prescription for a stronger pain reliever. This may be filled at any pharmacy if the over-the-counter pain medication does not relieve your discomfort. If Naproxen is too strong, you can cut the pill in half. Please do NOT drive or operate heavy machinery while you are taking Naproxen. 

An antibiotic may have been prescribed to prevent or minimize infection. Please take the antibiotics as instructed until all tablets/pills are finished. 

 What pain medication should I take after tori removal? 

Mild to moderate discomfort is common during the first few days after tori removal surgery. Dr. Seibert or Dr. Aljewari may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If your surgery was more extensive, a prescription medication may be provided for short-term use. Always follow the dosing directions given by Dr. Seibert or Dr. Aljewari closely. 

Do I need antibiotics after tori reduction? 

Antibiotics are not always necessary after tori removal, but Dr. Seibert or Dr. Aljewari may prescribe them if your case involves an increased risk of infection or exposed bone after tori surgery. Take the full course of antibiotics as directed. 

 Managing Discomfort After Tori Reduction 

Slight swelling of the operated area is not unusual. Chapped lips or bruising of the lips/cheek area may occur. 

• A reusable ice bag or a frozen vegetable bag, wrapped in a soft towel, can be applied to the surgical area to help minimize facial swelling. Alternating 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off will usually be adequate during the first 24-48 hours after surgery. 

• Keeping  your head elevated above your heart will also help. Most swelling typically occurs in the morning and persists for up to 3 days after surgery. Avoid sleeping/lying on the side where surgery was performed. 
• Two days after surgery, applying moist heat can help alleviate minor swelling. Major swelling should be reported to your doctor immediately. 

You may experience some tooth sensitivity after surgery, particularly cold temperatures. Sensitivity usually decreases within several weeks after surgery. It can be minimized by keeping the area as plaque-free as possible. If the sensitivity is extreme, contact the doctor for recommendations or medications to relieve the discomfort. 

IF you are instructed to wear a clear appliance or an upper denture that covers up the roof of the mouth, do NOT REMOVE it for 24 hours, NO MATTER WHAT!!! It may pool with blood but leave it in place and gently swish with a Chlorhexidine rinse or lukewarm salt water. 

• After 24 hours, you may wear it as much as you please, especially while eating, for your comfort. 

Dressing: 

We may apply a periodontal surgical dressing to protect the surgical site and keep you comfortable. The dressing will harden in a few hours. In most cases, the dressing is left in the mouth for a period of 7-14 days and may be changed once or more by the doctor during this time. Try to keep the dressing in place until your next appointment. If the dressing becomes loose or falls off, do not attempt to reposition it. Call our office to notify the doctor and receive further instructions. Maintain normal oral hygiene measures in the areas of your mouth not affected by the surgery. In areas where there is dressing, lightly brush only the biting surfaces of the teeth.  

• Please chew on the opposite side of your mouth and try to avoid the dressing as much as possible. 
• Be sure to keep your post-operative appointment to allow for removal of any dressings or sutures and to assess your healing!!! 

How long does pain last after tori removal? 

Most patients experience soreness for three to five days after surgery. Discomfort usually improves steadily each day. If pain increases after the first week or you notice signs of infection, contact Dr. Aljewari and Dr. Seibert’s office at Champaign Location Phone Number 217-398-4867. 

Is swelling normal after tori reduction surgery? 

 Yes, swelling and minor bruising are normal and typically peak within 48 hours of surgery. Applying a cold pack to the area during the first day and sleeping with your head slightly elevated can help minimize swelling. 

Bleeding and Healing After Tori Removal 

Minor bleeding, such as a pinkish tinge to your saliva, may occur during the first 48 hours following surgery. Avoid consuming extremely hot foods for the rest of the day and refrain from rinsing your mouth, as this can often prolong the bleeding. If bleeding continues, apply light pressure to the area with a moistened gauze or a moistened tea bag. Keep in place for 20-30 minutes without looking to see if bleeding has stopped. (NO PEEKING!) Do not spit or rinse forcefully. If further bleeding occurs or increases, please call our office as soon as possible to notify the doctor and receive further instructions. Avoid any strenuous physical activity for the next 2-3 days to prevent or minimize severe bleeding. 

How long does it take for the gums to heal after tori surgery? 

 Initial healing of the gums usually takes 2 to 3 weeks. Complete healing and smoothing of the tissue can take several months, depending on the extent of the procedure. Avoid disturbing the surgical area during the early stages of healing. 

How much bleeding is normal after tori removal? 

 Slight bleeding or oozing for the first 24 hours is normal. Biting gently on a gauze pad helps control it. If bleeding continues for more than a day or becomes heavy, please get in touch with Dr. Seibert or Dr. Aljewari immediately. 

 Eating and Diet After Tori Reduction Surgery 

Please follow a soft food diet, taking care to avoid the surgical area(s) when chewing. Chew on the opposite side and do NOT bite into food if the procedure was done in the front of the mouth. Avoid foods that are sticky, hard (such as ice cubes, nuts, popcorn, or chips), brittle, spicy, highly seasoned, or acidic in your diet. Foods such as soups, pasta, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, macaroni & cheese etc. are best. Be sure to maintain a balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids. 

 Avoid alcohol (even beer and wine) and smoking until after your post-operative appointment. Smoking is not advised during the 7-14 days following surgery. 

 What can I eat after tori removal surgery? 

 Soft food is best for the first few days. Options include yogurt, smoothies, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, and soup (served at a moderate temperature). Gradually reintroduce firmer foods as your comfort allows. 

Can I drink coffee after tori removal? 

 Avoid hot beverages, such as coffee, for at least 24 hours after surgery, as heat can promote bleeding. Once initial healing begins, warm (not hot) coffee can be reintroduced in moderation. 

What foods should I avoid after tori surgery? 

Avoid crunchy, spicy, or acidic foods that can irritate the surgical area. Foods with small seeds or sharp edges, such as chips, nuts, and popcorn, should be avoided until healing is complete to minimize the risk of complications during tori removal. 

Home Care and Oral Hygiene After Tori Removal 

Maintain normal oral hygiene measures in the areas of your mouth not affected by the surgery. In areas where there is dressing, lightly brush only the biting surfaces of the teeth. After you have eaten or you have snacked, please use lukewarm saltwater rinse 4-6X a day; 30 seconds of swooshing with each use. Vigorous rinsing should be avoided! 

 Starting tomorrow: 

• Please use Periogard, Peridex, or Chlorhexidine mouth rinse twice a day (morning and night), swishing for 30 seconds with each use. 

• The doctor may recommend using a soft Q-tip or cotton swab with toothpaste to gently clean the tooth surfaces in the operated area. 

• Unless otherwise instructed, avoid flossing and regular tooth brushing of the affected area. 

 Avoid: 

• Please do not touch the surgical area with your fingers or tongue. 

• Do not pull down the lip or cheek to examine the area, and refrain from having someone else inspect it. Just LEAVE IT ALONE! 

• Do NOT use a drinking straw, as the suction may dislodge the blood clot. 

• Avoid extremely hot foods. Cold foods, such as ice cream or a shake, are okay as long as you use a spoon. 

• Avoid alcohol (even beer and wine) and smoking until after your post-operative appointment. 
• Avoid sleeping/lying down on the side of the affected area. 

When can I return to normal oral care after tori surgery? 

 Gentle brushing can usually resume the day after surgery, avoiding the surgical site for several days. After meals, rinse gently with a saltwater solution or the mouth rinse recommended by Dr. Seibert and Dr. Aljewari. 

How do I know if my tori removal site is healing properly? 

 Healthy healing includes pink, firm tissue and a gradual reduction in swelling and soreness. Mild tenderness and tightness in the gums are expected. Contact Dr. Seibert or Dr. Aljewari if you notice exposed bone after tori surgery, persistent pain, or unusual discharge—these may be signs of delayed healing or infection. 

Try to relax and practice the best oral hygiene possible, and your healing should progress well. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the office at Champaign Location Phone Number 217-398-4867