7 Tips for Recovering from Oral Surgery
Recovering from oral surgery is always uncomfortable for the first few days but is rarely as painful as most patients fear it will be. However, successful recovery does require a commitment from you, as the patient, to care for your teeth, gums, and mouth properly. If you don’t take proper care, you could end up with complications such as an infection, implant failure, or the loss of teeth. We’ve compiled some general tips for recovering from oral surgery that you should follow, whether you’ve had a single tooth extracted or a full set of dental implants.
1. Don’t overdo it.
When you return home from surgery, be sure to have a place to relax and rest. A couch with lots of pillows and a blanket or throw is ideal. You shouldn’t do anything more strenuous than watching TV, reading a book, or playing a video game the first day. Take naps, stay hydrated, and enjoy some quality time with your family.
2. Elevate your head.
Oral surgery means you’ll have some post-op bleeding, which will hopefully slow down considerably once you’re home. However, it’s a good idea to rest and sleep with your head elevated for the first 48 hours to minimize the risk of excessive facial or jaw bleeding. It will also reduce swelling.
3. Use ice packs.
For the first two to three days, applying ice packs to your cheeks can help reduce swelling. Alternate 20 minutes on, then 20 minutes off. If you don’t have ice packs, bags of frozen peas or other vegetables can be wrapped in a tea towel to create a makeshift ice pack.
4. Be careful of what you eat.
Cool, soothing foods like yogurt, hummus, pudding, and milkshakes will taste great and help soothe your mouth and throat. However, do not drink anything through a straw, as this can dislodge the protective blood clot over the surgical site. Stick to soft foods for several days, including mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, mashed vegetables, and poached, shredded chicken. Be sure to eat these foods warm, but not hot, to avoid irritating the surgical site.
5. Don’t try to “tough it out.”
Although you may not be in severe pain, you are going to be uncomfortable for a few days after oral surgery. Whether you are taking over-the-counter medications or something we’ve prescribed for pain, follow the label instructions. Even if the pain “hasn’t come back yet,” taking pain medication on its proper schedule ensures that pain won’t “break through” between doses, making it much harder to get back under control. If your pain is severe or you suspect a fever accompanies it, call our office immediately for instructions.
6. Keep your mouth clean.
On the day of surgery, gently swishing warm salt water around your mouth can soothe the area and kill bacteria. Rather than spitting, lean over the sink and let the water drain out of the mouth so that you don’t disturb the blood clot. The next day, begin brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush, avoiding the surgical site.
7. Follow your post-op instructions.
When you leave our office, we will give you detailed post-operative care instructions. Please share these with your family members or whoever will be caring for you in the next few days. Follow the instructions closely, and if you have any questions, please call our office at Pasqual Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Office Phone Number 561-900-9080 anytime, day or night. We are always here to help.