Oral Surgery: Recovery Tips
Are you feeling apprehensive about your upcoming oral surgery? For many dental patients, it’s not knowing what to expect during recovery that can cause much of the concern. As your trusted dentist in Easton, PA, we are committed to ensuring you have only the best in experiences with each step of your dental wellness journey.
We’ve gathered our top oral surgery recovery tips to ensure your recovery goes as smoothly as is possible. Reduction of discomfort or pain and avoiding infection should be two of your primary goals during recovery.
Tip 1: Follow the Instructions You Are Given
Whether you’ve had a simple procedure or something more complicated like a tooth replacement in Easton PA, patients should follow the instructions they are provided.
The instructions and recommendations provided by your dentist will help to ensure that your recovery goes well. Your dentist may recommend that you skip brushing your teeth, avoid flossing, and don’t use mouthwash for a set period of healing time. This is likely the only time your dentist will make this recommendation!
Dr. Leeson, a St. Pete, FL dentist, says that your mouth may be too sensitive for even the mild abrasiveness that can come from brushing. The recommendation may also include brushing everywhere but the area that was operated on.
Flossing can be irritating for sensitive gums. Additionally, the rinsing and swirling of mouthwash can be harsh on healing gums and teeth. The alcohol in it may also sting. Saltwater rinses might be the best bet.
So, if you have questions about the instructions, don’t hesitate to call your dentist.
Tip 2: Get Some Rest After Oral Surgery
Undergoing sedation dentistry in Easton, PA, makes the oral surgery much more manageable, in all ways. You may be feeling drowsy after your procedure. So, you should not drive yourself home. You should also avoid doing anything too strenuous.
Do your best to avoid bending or lifting anything heavy. This can potentially dislodge the small blood clots that form as you start to heal. Bleeding can become a concern.
Use extra pillows to prop your head up, or consider dozing in a comfortable recliner for the first night.
Rest is important for a body that needs to heal itself.
Tip 3: Ice Your Mouth
Whether it was a scheduled procedure or a dental emergency in Easton, PA, you’ll likely experience swelling and bruising. This is quite normal for the first few postoperative days.
Applying ice packs to the swollen area for up 30 minutes at a time can make a world of difference. Take 15-minute breaks between applications. Furthermore, the swelling should decrease within a few short days. If it does not, or you are feverish, you should call our office to be seen by Dr. David Moghadam.
Tip 4: Take Care of Your Mouth
It’s normal to experience some mild to moderate bleeding in the first few postoperative days. A bit of folded gauze can help to stem the bleeding. Blood clots typically form as a way of protecting delicate healing tissue. Don’t put too much pressure on it, as you don’t want to disrupt the clotting process. After oral surgery, patients should avoid using straws or drinking fizzy drinks like sodas. Avoid smoking and using a mouthwash during those crucial first few days of healing. If the bleeding continues past the first 23 hours or is severe, call your dentist immediately.
Tip 6: Take Care With Your Diet
You may be tempted to eat some of your favorite comfort foods after surgery. However, you need to protect your mouth while it heals. Whether you’ve had an extraction, root canal therapy, or a tooth replacement, you should keep your diet simple.
For example, oatmeal, applesauce, yogurt, and cool soups are a good option. Keep away from ice cold or hot foods, and definitely avoid anything too chewy or spicy.
In just a few days, you can graduate to foods like pasta and others that are soft. Once you’ve completely healed, you’ll be free to enjoy all of your favorites again.
Tip 7: Take Your Prescribed Medications
Depending on the extent of the oral surgery, your dentist may prescribe a medication to help you to manage the pain. You may also be prescribed a precautionary antibiotic. So, be sure to take your medications as they are prescribed.
You may be able to control your pain with over-the-counter pain relievers after the first day. Your pain should subside within two days. So, if the pain seems to be getting worse, you should call your dentist.
Tip 9: Go to Follow Up Appointments
Even if you feel you are healing well, be sure to stick with your scheduled follow up appointments. These appointments allow your dentist to gauge how well you are healing and recommend the next steps to ensure your dental wellness.
If you have any questions or concerns about these oral surgery recovery tips, please contact our office.
