Tips for Oral Surgery Recovery
Oral surgery is any procedure that involves the mouth, and common oral surgery procedures include tooth extraction, gum surgery, and wisdom teeth removal. Oral surgeons are dentists who have completed additional training in oral and maxillofacial surgery, which involves the treatment of disorders of the face and jaws.
What Are the Types of Oral Surgery?
Oral surgery encompasses many different types of procedures that target the teeth, gums, jaw, and soft tissues. Common oral surgery procedure includes wisdom teeth removal, tooth extractions, and dental implants.
What is Aftercare Oral Surgery Tips?
Oral surgery recovery will depend on the type of procedure that was done; however, what you do can influence the process.
- Rest.
Rest is vital for your recovery, so avoid driving or operating machinery for a few weeks after surgery, and you should not lift heavy objects.
You may be able to resume your normal activities after oral surgery in a few days.
- Get plenty of sleep.
Sleep helps your body heal naturally, so get enough rest during recovery. Proper rest will help the body recover quickly and reduce pain in your mouth.
- Drink lots of fluids.
The first thing to do when recovering from oral surgery is to drink lots of fluids. This can be done at home by drinking water or in the hospital during your stay.
Avoid sugary drinks until after your post-op appointment with your dentist. Also, avoid alcoholic beverages for 24 hours following surgery, as they can increase bleeding tendencies in your mouth if you drink them too soon after having an operation on your gums or teeth (or even just a tooth extraction). Caffeine-containing foods like chocolate should also be avoided for 24 hours following the procedure; this includes coffee and tea.
- Keep your head elevated.
Lying flat on the bed can lead to increased swelling and discomfort. Instead, elevate your head with a wedge pillow or try sleeping with a pillow under the neck to prevent fluid accumulation on the jaw that causes swelling.
- Protect the surgical site from injury.
After surgery, the first thing to do is to protect your surgical site from injury. Avoid hot foods, alcohol, and tobacco products in the immediate postoperative period. Also, stay away from hot food or water, as these may irritate the gums and lengthen the treatment period.
- Don’t use a straw at least 24 hours after surgery.
After a procedure, it’s normal for your mouth to be sore. You may also experience dry mouth dryness in your mouth and sensitivity. Our dentist in Gilbert recommends drinking plenty of water throughout the day and avoiding drinking through straws or sponges for at least 24 hours after surgery.
If you have gingivitis or periodontitis (gums that are inflamed), visiting a Gilbert dentist is essential. This is because they can help prevent further damage by treating the bacteria before it causes any long-term damage.
- Eat soft foods and foods high in protein and vitamins C and D when you feel hungry.
The next step in recovery is ensuring you’re eating well and taking care of yourself. Eating soft, high-protein, and vitamin C-rich foods when you feel hungry can help prevent malnutrition. Avoid hard and chewy foods as they may cause pain while healing. You may introduce the normal foods gradually as the gums heal and the pain clears.
- Take good care of yourself during recovery for the best results possible.
As you recover from oral surgery, taking good care of yourself is important. The best results come from caring for your body and mind during this time. Oral care is crucial to your recovery, and it is important to maintain proper oral health during and after the recovery process. Good oral hygiene keeps bacteria at bay and prevents infections
Swelling, pain, and gum soreness should clear within a week, but visit a dentist for assistance if the problems persist.
Schedule an Appointment
Visit Town Square Dental for more information about oral dental surgery, the different procedure, and recovery.