How to Quickly Recover From Oral Surgery.
How quickly you recover from oral surgery depends largely on the quality of your aftercare. Following your dentist’s or oral surgeon’s instructions closely can help promote faster healing and reduce the risk of complications. The guidelines below can help you have a smoother recovery experience.
The First Two Days
During the first 48 hours after surgery, take care to:
Rest: Refrain from physical activity for at least 1-2 days.
Avoid rinsing or brushing near the area: Doing so can irritate the surgical site.
Manage the bleeding: Keep gauze on the wound and replace it as suggested by your dentist.
Help the swelling: Use an ice pack on your cheek for 15 minutes at a time.
Keep your head elevated: This will minimize swelling and bleeding.
Protecting the Surgical Site
To avoid disturbing the healing blood clot, make sure to use a soft-bristle brush when brushing. You should also keep away from straws, smoking, and alcoholic drinks for at least 3 days after surgery to prevent a painful condition called dry socket.
Tips for Eating
Eating a safe, healthy diet will help your healing progress. You will want to:
Stick to soft foods such as yogurt, applesauce, and eggs.
Avoid hard, crunchy, and spicy foods.
Avoid foods that are too hot or cold in temperature.
Drink a lot of water to stay hydrated.
When to Contact the Dentist
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your dentist as soon as possible:
Persistent bleeding 24 hours after the procedure.
Swelling that worsens after three days.
Fever and/or chills.
Significant pain despite medication.
We’re Here to Help
At My Ogden Dentist, our experienced team is committed to making your oral surgery experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Contact our office today to learn more about our oral surgery services or to schedule an appointment.