Oral surgery is an invasive procedure that aims to correct any problem in the jaw, gums, or teeth. The right surgery can bring you back your smile and dental function. Recovering well from the procedure can maximize the benefits. Here are some tips that can result in a faster recovery from your oral surgery.
The dentist will tell the patient to stop these habits weeks before and after the oral surgery. Studies show that consuming tobacco and alcoholic beverages can impair proper blood circulation and oxygenation. That is why having these substances in the body can prevent proper healing. The dentist will encourage patients to quit these habits for the rest of their life. This will support the continuous tissue repair in the mouth.
Oral surgery involves the use of anesthetics. These drugs often make patients feel better after invasive procedures. This may lead a patient to go back to normal activities right away. However, the surgeon will recommend a day of complete rest.
Once the patient gets home, staying in bed is necessary. Elevating the head with extra pillows while lying down will reduce the bleeding. After resting for a day, a week of light movements at home is acceptable. This includes walking around the house. The dentist will tell the patient if it is time to resume strenuous tasks.
The anesthetic will fade hours after the oral surgery. When this happens, pain will creep up. The dentist will prescribe NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to manage it. Follow instructions when taking these medications so that pain will not be an issue after the oral surgery. It can also help the body heal without the overwhelming effects of pain. Talk to the surgeon if the pain relievers are not helping.
Drinking plenty of fluids and water after oral surgery can keep the body’s high level of hydration. Doing so can keep every organ system functioning well. This then can speed up the healing process. The patient must not use a straw because it can dislodge the clot that helps heal the surgical site.
Patients should stay away from hot foods and drinks. Refraining from drinking hot and caffeinated drinks is also advisable as these drinks may irritate the surgical wound. Keep oneself from spitting as well. Doing these during the first day after the oral surgery will help recovery.
The surgeon will remind the patient to refrain from brushing the surgical area after the oral surgery. But brushing the surrounding areas with warm water is advisable. Rinse gently with a saltwater solution. Let the salt water fall out of the mouth instead of spitting it out. Repeat this type of rinsing all day.
It will be okay to brush with toothpaste using gentle strokes and floss as well. Spitting and vigorous rinsing are still not advisable. These activities will increase the bleeding. Washing the site with a syringe of tap water can remove food particles from it. The patient can do this about a week after the oral surgery.
Follow the surgeon’s diet suggestions after the oral surgery. These instructions include eating soft foods and cold drinks for the first two days. This may last for more days, depending on the patient’s case. Here are some examples of the ideal foods and drinks to consume after oral surgery:
Avoid hot drinks and foods until the anesthetic’s effects fade. This will prevent burns in the mouth. The patient can include warm foods after oral surgery. Some good examples are soups, mashed potatoes, and broths. Avoid crunchy and chewy foods the first week after the procedure. These foods will irritate and get lodged in the surgical site.
Following the surgeon’s instructions is important during recovery. Remember that oral tissues have been manipulated. It will take some time to heal completely. Here are some points to remember during oral surgery recovery:
Oral surgery causes trauma to the oral tissues. Complications can happen if you do not follow your surgeon’s exact instructions. Work with your surgeon and general dentist as you heal. Doing so can help you maximize the benefits of your surgery. It can also help you go back to your daily activities sooner.
Request an appointment here: https://arroyogrande.centralcoastoms.com or call Wilson Oral Surgery at (805) 476-2567 for an appointment in our Arroyo Grande office.
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