Insight on Oral Surgery Recovery

Recovering from oral surgery is as important as the procedure itself. The first 24 hours after the procedure are crucial for your recovery. Necessary care is required to avoid possible complications and alleviate the expected symptoms. Below are some post-operative guidelines to help you achieve speedy recovery after the procedure by an oral surgeon near you.

Guidelines to Oral Surgery Recovery

• Follow your surgeon’s instructions

Follow all the post-operative instructions from the oral surgeon specialist. The instructions will help you prevent the risk of trauma or infection as you recover. They also ensure a fast and thorough recovery. In addition, attend every follow-up appointment for dental care to ensure you are healing well. Skipping them may put you at risk for other complications.

• Get plenty of rest

Allow your body to recuperate by resting for at least two days after your procedure. Do not engage in any taxing physical activity for two or three days following oral surgery. Then, ease slowly into your regular schedule 48 hours after surgery.

Organize with a friend or member of your family to provide needed care as you recover. If no one is available, organize your home before the procedure. Thoroughly clean your house and arrange a comfortable recovery space. Prepare and preserve soft and nutritious foods, smoothies and soups to take after the process.

• Take your medication

Before the procedure, ensure that you buy all the prescribed medication to aid in recovery. Pain is an expected effect of oral surgery. The dentist in Manalapan, NJ, will prescribe the necessary pain management medication. Your dental expert will also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection and inflammation. Take all medicines as prescribed, particularly antibiotics.

• Keep your mouth clean

Proper oral hygiene after oral surgery is crucial for the healing process. Within the first 24 hours after surgery, avoid brushing, flossing, vigorous rinsing or spitting. You can gently brush your teeth 24 hours after the procedure or when you can open your mouth wide enough. Avoid touching near the operation site. After cleaning, do not spit out the water but let it flow out of your mouth.

Avoid rinsing your mouth with a mouthwash. Instead, you can use a saline solution 24 hours after oral surgery. Prepare the solution with one tablespoon of salt and a cup of warm water. Use it as much as you need as it helps keep the surgical site clean during recovery.

• Things to avoid

Some things that you usually use or do will have to be avoided during the recovery process. On the list of things to avoid, alcohol and tobacco are right on top. Alcohol can mix with your medications and cause serious complications or even death. Tobacco slows down the healing process. It also leads to a painful infection known as a dry socket.

Consult your dentist on foods and drinks to avoid as you recover. Stay away from crunchy and chewy foods since eating them will strain your mouth and jaw. Do not take hot foods or beverages or use a drinking straw as they may interfere with the formed blood clot. The clot promotes healing in the area since it prevents further bleeding.

• Take charge of your recovery

After the oral surgery, you should take charge of your recovery, making it relatively quick and easy. Manage and alleviate your symptoms as you experience them. For example, use a cold compress when the area swells. Take pain-relieving medication when in pain. Avoid anything that will delay your recovery. Have your dentist’s contact information in case of an emergency.

When to Seek Dental Care

During the recovery period watch closely for changes in your health. Call the oral surgeon near you for emergency treatment when you experience the symptoms below:

• Difficulty breathing
• Open incision or stitches become loose
• New or increased bleeding from the area
• Increased pain, swelling and redness
• Fever
• Pus from the site
• Nausea or vomiting whenever you eat or drink
• Losing consciousness

Contact us at Faktor DMD-Manalapan, NJ, for any oral surgery procedures. If you are experiencing complications during the healing process, our dental emergency team is ready to assist you. We are dedicated to guiding you through every step of your surgical and recovery process.