Postoperative Recommendations at Clínica Birbe in Barcelona
We distinguish between recommendations for intraoral surgery and facial surgery.
In this section on postoperative recommendations, it is important for us to remind you that, to ensure a good long-term prognosis for your dental treatments, you must attend annual checkups and follow an oral maintenance program (dental cleanings) at intervals appropriate for your oral health.
Intraoral Surgeries
Intraoral surgical procedures primarily include dental implant placement, tooth extractions, gum surgery, and bone grafts.
These are surgeries performed in a confined surgical field that is difficult to manage and contains moisture due to the presence of saliva, which carries oral flora and bacteria. Therefore, we ask that you follow these instructions at home to ensure a more comfortable postoperative recovery and rapid healing.
Take the medication that has been prescribed for you, following the indicated schedule.
It’s normal to experience mild discomfort or irritation for the first three or four days after surgery, especially when food or your toothbrush comes into contact with the area.
You’ll notice pink saliva and a slight taste of blood during the first 24 hours. If any spot is *bleeding more heavily, apply pressure without moving it using a gauze pad slightly moistened with hydrogen peroxide for 5 consecutive minutes.
Do not eat or drink anything that is very hot during the first 24 hours.
Avoid eating hard foods during the first few days. Eat soft or *semi-solid foods (eggs, pasta, fish, sliced bread, purees, yogurt, smoothies, etc.).
Do not brush your teeth for the first 24 hours after the procedure. After 24 hours, use a soft-bristled brush (which we will provide). Rinse your mouth with a chlorhexidine-based mouthwash while you still have the stitches in.
Apply an ice pack externally for the first two hours after surgery, alternating 5 minutes of application with 5 minutes of rest. You can also let an ice cube melt in your mouth.
Don’t smoke, at least for the first 15 days; during the healing process, it’s best not to smoke at all.
Facial Surgeries
Following the advice of the doctor who performed your surgery and his or her team is the best thing you can do. Not all procedures are the same; even if you receive advice from friends or family, if you have any questions, you should consult your doctor.
General recommendations for any facial surgery:
Take the medication prescribed by your doctor—usually pain relievers and *decongestants—according to the prescribed schedule.
Do not engage in activities that require physical contact until we tell you to.
For the first few days, you should eat foods that aren’t too hot and don’t require a lot of chewing.
Applying ice intermittently, especially during the first few hours after the procedure, helps reduce swelling and bruising and prevents the skin from feeling *tight.
You can take a shower and wash up without any problem. When washing your face, it is best to use cold water and pat it dry gently with a towel, without rubbing or getting the treated area wet. Do not get the bandages wet.
Apply the moisturizing and healing creams we’ve recommended.
When you sleep, you should lie on your back—never on your side—with your head elevated; you can use a double pillow.
Do not smoke for at least 1 month after the procedure. Tobacco hinders healing because it reduces blood flow to the tissues due to the vasoconstriction it causes in the blood capillaries.
Avoid sudden movements of the face and turn your head carefully.
Don’t do facial exercises.
Do not apply makeup until we tell you to.
*Avoid sun exposure and use sunscreen for at least 6 months after surgery
Documents, Tips, and Postoperative Care
What amenities and services do we guarantee?
- Two comfortable waiting rooms designed to ensure your privacy as much as possible.
You’ll have Dr.’s personal phone number - Feel free to contact us to address any questions you may have before treatment and ensure complete peace of mind during your recovery.
- If you’d like, we can schedule an initial video conference with Dr. Escardo before your first visit.
- Our treatment coordinator will make sure you have everything you need at all times; just let us know how we can help you.
- Parking next to the Escardo Clinic.
- More information about our facilities
Dr. Joan Birbe
- Premio Extraordinario de Licenciatura en Medicina 1991
- Licenciado en Odontología por la Universidad de Barcelona 1994.
- Doctor en Medicina y Cirugía por la Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona “Cum Laude” 1997.
- Especialista en Cirugía Oral y Maxilofacial (MIR) 1996.
- Cirujano Maxilofacial Diplomado por el American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 2001.
- Formación de postgrado en Universidad de Iowa, Universidad de Maryland, y Mount Sinaï Medical Center en Miami (EEUU).
- Miembro activo de numerosas sociedades científicas nacionales e internacionales.
- Imparte conferencias en Universidades españolas sobre Implantología y Cirugía.
Dr. Joan Birbe: ABOMS certified specialist
Dr. Birbe is certified by the ABOMS (American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery), the most rigorous international credential in oral and maxillofacial surgery. This certification guarantees a high level of competence, experience and professional development, allowing us to offer patients maximum safety and quality in every treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Postoperative Recommendations
What basic aftercare should you follow after surgery?
Apply cold compresses to the affected area for the first 24 hours, eat a soft, cold diet, do not smoke, avoid physical exertion, maintain good oral hygiene as directed by the medical team, and follow the medication regimen. Specific recommendations depend on the treatment and are provided in writing on a case-by-case basis.
When should I contact the clinic after surgery?
Please contact us if you experience heavy bleeding that does not subside within 30 minutes, a high fever, pain that does not respond to pain medication, severe swelling, or any other symptoms that concern you. We have a contact phone number, and for some services, we offer support via WhatsApp. It’s better to ask sooner rather than wait.
When can I get back to my normal life after surgery in Barcelona?
It depends on the treatment. For minor surgeries, patients return to work within 24 to 72 hours; for major surgeries, within 1 to 3 weeks. Intense physical activity is usually postponed until 3–4 weeks later. In the postoperative information sheet, we provide a clear schedule tailored to your specific case, with estimated dates for follow-up visits.
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Contact
with us
Contact us during our business hours:
- Monday, Thursday and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:00h to 19:00h.
- Phone: +34 93 212 47 37
Outside our working hours you can send us a WhatsApp or a form and we will get back to you the next business day. Being located in Barcelona, we receive patients from all over the national and international territory.
During your first consultation we will provide you with:
Personal diagnosis by oral and facial examination.
Closed budget with different financing financing possibilities.
