Do you have a root canal, tooth extraction, dental implant placement, or gum disease treatment coming up? These oral surgeries are efficient, relatively quick ways to address serious issues and get your oral health back on track, but they take some time to recover from. While it will typically take at least several days to heal from your oral surgery, there are some easy ways you can speed up the process. Read on as your Marion oral surgeon shares eight tips to help your recovery go as smoothly and quickly as possible.
1.) Protect the Surgical Site
It’s important not to disturb the tissues in your mouth as they heal. For the first few hours after your surgery, limit talking, eating, and drinking if you can. You should also avoid spitting or drinking through a straw for the next week or so to protect the surgical site.
2.) Rest
You should plan on resting for the remainder of your day after your oral surgery. Most patients will feel ready to resume their normal activities after 24 hours, but it’s also perfectly normal to spend the entire next day resting as well. In either case, you should avoid strenuous activity for at least a week.
3.) Stick to a Soft, Mild Diet
Eating after oral surgery requires great care and careful planning. Stay away from hard, crunchy, and chewy foods and stick to soft snacks instead to minimize pressure on the surgical site.
4.) Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of liquids after your surgery to facilitate healing, but don’t use a straw. You should also avoid carbonated, caffeinated, and hot beverages, which can disturb the wound as well.
5.) Avoid Alcohol and Tobacco
Alcohol and tobacco are bad for your health for a variety of reasons, one being that they slow down your natural healing process and weaken your immune system. Refrain from these substances for at least a week after your surgery. This may be the perfect opportunity to quit these bad habits altogether.
6.) Use a Cold Compress or Ice Pack
Your oral surgeon will give you specific instructions on how often to apply an ice pack or cold compress to the outside of your mouth to ease swelling and inflammation. Typically, you’ll be instructed to apply it for 10 minutes on, then 10 minutes off for the first day or so.
7.) Take Pain Medication
Take over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication as directed by your oral surgeon. In many cases, they will recommend taking your first dose soon after your surgery so the medication has time to take effect before you regain all the feeling in your mouth.
8.) Practice Great Oral Hygiene
Excellent oral hygiene is always important, but it’s essential for protecting your mouth from infection after oral surgery. Your oral surgeon will give you specific care instructions regarding how and when to brush, floss, and rinse with saltwater or mouthwash. Usually, you’ll need to clean your mouth after every meal and snack as well as every morning and night.
If you have any questions or concerns after your oral surgery, don’t hesitate to contact your surgeon. Over the phone, they can give you personalized advice for managing your symptoms and ensure your healing stays on track.
About the Author
Dr. George Bruner of Bruner Dental has been caring for the smiles of his hometown Marion and the surrounding communities for over 35 years. He has completed advanced training in oral surgery and stays current with modern developments in dentistry through his membership in the American Dental Association. He has gone above and beyond to create a relaxing environment outfitted with the latest dental technology so you can get the high-quality care you need all under one roof. If you have more questions about oral surgery, he can be contacted via his website or at (765) 613-3128.
