Island Dental blog

Tips To Recover Quickly from Oral Surgery

March 7, 2023

One of the biggest concerns that many patients who need to undergo oral surgery in Marco Island is the postoperative process. It’s not uncommon for people to feel these kinds of worries, but when the recovery is carried out correctly, patients can be confident that all will come to fruition. Let's take a look at some tips for coping with the recovery process after oral surgery.

Woman smiling after getting oral surgery in Marco Island

Dealing with Swelling or Inflammation

In these cases, specialists have a fairly accepted consensus according to which cold compresses using ice can work on the affected or inflamed area. So that the placement of these compresses is a way to reduce the size of the inflammation.

Sleeping Posture After Oral Surgery

Now that you’re out of oral surgery you should change your posture so that you don’t put pressure on the affected area of the mouth, thus avoiding the slightest discomfort.

Resting is Essential

It’s a universal key to take into account after oral surgery. Dentists and specialists unanimously recommend resting as a transition to the patient's full recovery.  

Discipline with Your Medications

Be very disciplined in taking your pills according to the hours recommended by your specialists, and you will come out of your convalescence faster. Surgical wounds make it necessary to take antibiotics for their prophylactic properties, preventing infections that can be very painful. A plus is to take vitamin A and C as they help to accelerate the healing process.

Keeping your Mouth Clean

Although you’ll be advised not to rinse for the first 24 hours, after this initial period you should rinse gently four times a day with warm salt water (one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water). Rinse after each meal and snack, and make sure the water removes any food particles left around the surgical area. In some cases, your dentist may recommend a chlorhexidine rinse to kill bacteria and keep your mouth clean.

What Not to Do

Do not overexert yourself. Avoid exercising for two to three days after surgery. The increased blood flow can dislodge blood clots that form as your mouth heals.

Do not eat hot food or drink. Avoid hot foods or drinks until the local anesthesia wears off. Since your mouth is numb, you may have difficulty measuring the temperature of food and could burn yourself.

Do not eat hard or crunchy foods. For six to eight weeks, avoid chewing on edibles such as carrots or popcorn in the surgical area.

Do not smoke or drink alcohol. These two habits can hinder the healing process.

Follow your dentist's post-surgical care instructions to heal quickly and without complications. However, you should contact your dentist immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Throbbing pain that doesn’t respond to medication.
  • Continuous bleeding (even when applying pressure)
  • A fever that doesn’t go away after 24 hours
  • Pus, which may indicate an infection
  • Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Dentist showing a patient x-rays before getting oral surgery in Marco Island

Looking to Get Oral Surgery in Marco Island? We Are Here to Help!

We understand that going through oral surgery is not a situation that anyone wants to be in, but when the decision is made to work on your oral health with a group of true experts in the field, there is nothing to worry about. Don't hesitate to contact us at Island Paradise Dental to schedule a consultation and start improving your smile!

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