Oral surgery, such as wisdom tooth removal or receiving dental implants, requires time to completely recover. Although it is in a smaller area, it is still surgery, and your body needs time to heal. Dental surgery sites cannot be bandaged or kept dry like other areas of the body, so recovery is a little different. Here are some tips to help you have a quick and comfortable recovery when you undergo dental surgery.
Plan for Your Surgery
The best way to recover quickly from oral surgery is to plan for your recovery time. Your dentist can explain what to expect after your procedure and what restrictions you may have. Often, you will need to restrict your food intake to soft or liquid foods for at least 24 hours. You will also need plenty of fluids and may need pain medications.
To ensure that recovery goes smoothly, plan for your recovery time by stocking your home with everything you will need for the day or two after your surgery. Get soups, yogurt, or broth that you can eat, depending on the instructions from your dentist. Have all the supplies you may need in place so you can rest and recover once you are home from your surgery.
Recovery from Surgery
While each dental surgery may be slightly different, there are some general rules you can expect to follow. After you come home from your procedure, you should plan on resting for the duration of the day. Sit or lie down with your head propped up with pillows to keep your head elevated. Ice packs can be used to reduce swelling, usually in 15 minutes intervals. You will want to avoid chewing any hard or crunchy foods – follow your dentist’s recommendations on food intake. Some behaviors to avoid at least for 24 hours include:
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Overexertion
- Brushing or flossing the surgical site (unless ok’d by your dentist)
- Drinking alcohol
Following the post-surgery instructions to the letter is the best way to avoid complications and complete a quick recovery. It is worth the effort to plan for your surgery and adhere to the recovery restrictions to get the best results.
At Dynamic Dental Solutions, we want you to have the best experience possible when you come to us for your oral health needs. Whether you need dental surgery or just preventive care, we offer a comfortable atmosphere with caring dental professionals to help you achieve a healthy smile. Call us to schedule your next checkup, cleaning, or dental treatment.