What You Should Do When Recovering From Oral Surgery

For many individuals, oral surgery is an outpatient procedure in their dentist’s office. You can drive home after the surgery if you’re not given heavy painkillers. Despite some oral surgeries not requiring hospitalization, you still have to adhere to a recovery schedule. Following your surgeon’s instructions to the letter is vital for recovery. 

What to Do When Recovering From Oral Surgery

• Follow all post-operative instructions: Your surgeon will give you instructions after surgery. Ensure you follow every instruction your oral surgeon gives you to recover properly.
• Rest: On the day of your surgery, you should get plenty of rest. Your body needs rest to recover. If you’re lying down, prop your head on multiple pillows to keep your head elevated and promote blood flow. Elevating your head will also help reduce facial swelling and prevent excessive bleeding after surgery.
• Ice: Over the day, ice your face. Surgeons suggest icing your face for 15 minutes and then take the ice off for 15 minutes.
• Medications: Any pain medication you’re prescribed should be taken as instructed. Even if you’re not in pain, it’s easier to keep pain at bay than it is to treat it once you feel it. Don’t skip doses, even if your scheduled time to take them is in the middle of the night. 
• Soft Food Diet: Once your bleeding stops after surgery, integrate soft foods into your diet. For the first day, you should only consume soft food or liquid. Soups, yogurt, and mashed potatoes are only a few examples of food you can eat after surgery.
• Maintain Oral Hygiene: Keeping your mouth clean is vital to recovery after oral surgery. Your oral surgeon might tell you not to rinse for the first 24 hours. But on day two, you can start rinsing with warm saltwater four times daily. 
• Vitamins: Healthy foods rich in vitamins A and C are recommended after oral surgery. If you can’t eat these foods, take supplements. These vitamins promote healing, and you might recover faster.

On the opposite side of things, there are many things you should not do after surgery. Keep in mind that it is easier to prevent than it is to treat after the fact. Follow their instructions if your surgeon has told you not to do things. Your surgeon gives you instructions for a reason. Your body is in a state of recovery after surgery, so it’s essential to ensure you don’t exert yourself. While your mouth is numb, avoid hot food or drinks to prevent burning your mouth. Don’t drink or smoke for at least 24 hours, and don’t eat anything too hard or crunchy. 

Don’t be Afraid of Oral Surgery: Seek Help From Sunset Dental Group!

Your dentist will ensure you’re prepared no matter what surgery you need. The dentists at Sunset Dental Group can ensure that your surgery and recovery go as smoothly as possible. If you need surgery, don’t hesitate to call us and schedule an appointment today. The sooner you make your appointment, the faster you can get on the road to recovery.