Oral surgery, like any other type of procedure, isn’t like going to a routine dental checkup or appointment. It can be a daunting experience, and even if it’s going to make you healthier or correct an underlying issue, the recovery process can come with discomfort and even interruptions to your everyday life.
How do we make the recovery process smoother and more successful? With proper preparation, care and attention, the recovery process can be a lot less taxing, and before long, you’ll be back to your old self again.
Here are some tips for recovering after major dental surgery.
Contents
1. Plan Ahead
A smooth recovery process actually begins way before the surgery is done – in the preparation phase. When you know the day and time of your procedure, you can start planning ahead. That means getting sufficient time off work, figuring out if you need the extra care of a loved one, and getting your kitchen stocked with the right kinds of food.
Meal preparation is also important depending on the type of surgery. Often times, after oral surgery, you won’t be able to chew for up to a few weeks. Therefore, you might want to prepare a few types of nutritious soup and possibly blend to a liquified form. That way, you can drink your food and not put pressure on any stitching.
The more planning you do ahead of time, the easier everything gets.
2. Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions
Source: mouthhealthy.org
Your dentist will give you specific instructions on how to care for your mouth after surgery. Make sure to follow these instructions closely, as they will help ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of infection. If you want to note down these instructions as a checklist or even as a video this will help you not forget what you should and shouldn’t do.
For example, you should not use straws until you have completely healed from your oral surgery or even a tooth extraction. The pressure created by drinking through a straw can dislodge the blood clot at the site of the extraction, which can lead to a painful condition known as dry socket.
Although, the formation of blood clots is a normal part of the healing process, the suction action of drinking through a straw can dislodge the clots. And if this occurs, you can expect a longer, more painful recovery. Avoiding these harmful actions will lead to a smoother recovery.
3. Keep Your Mouth Clean
When you get surgery on any other part of your body, the incision and the site of the procedure has to be kept clean and sanitized. Dental surgery is the same. According to Lifeway, a dentist in Boca Raton, “good oral hygiene is important for preventing infection and promoting healing”.
Despite its name, veneer surgery is actually a minimally invasive cosmetic dental procedure designed to enhance the appearance of one’s smile.
Gently brush your teeth and rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day to keep your mouth clean. Try to avoid spitting or rinsing vigorously, as this can disrupt the blood clot that forms in the surgical site and lead to bleeding.
Using mouthwash should only be under the supervision of your oral surgeon since most brands contain alcohol. The general rule is to avoid all mouthwash for at least 24 hours after the extraction.
4. Take it Easy
Source: theologyandthecity.com
After dental surgery, your body needs time to rest and heal. Even though the procedure is localized to one area of your body, the process of surgery can be taxing to the body. There’s really no need to put a strain on yourself to rush back to your normal routine. Avoid strenuous activities and give yourself time to relax.
This isn’t the time to be heading to the gym to do a super workout, it’s time to practice self-care and allow your body to apply its energy to healing. Find out from your dentist when it’s right to resume more strenuous activity, and until then, clear your schedule for rest and relaxation. Find a great book to read or a show on Netflix to binge-watch and enjoy.
You can never underestimate the power of sleep to heal a wounded area of your body. Pain causes the body to get tires so try to sleep as often as your body demands.
5. Manage Pain and Discomfort
After dental surgery, you will feel the aftereffects for some time, and they won’t be so pleasant. Your dentist will likely prescribe pain medication to help manage any discomfort you may experience after surgery. Follow the instructions for taking your medication carefully and don’t be afraid to ask your dentist or pharmacist if you have any questions. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help you, especially for when you decide to start getting back to work.
6. Eat a Soft Diet
Source: tastingtable.com
After dental surgery, it’s important to stick to a soft diet until your mouth has fully healed. This includes foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies, and soups. Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods, as they can irritate the surgical site and make it more difficult to heal.
You can still eat tasty and filling meals without eating solids and this is a great time to experiment. If medication is part of your healing process, also stay away from alcohol and sugary drinks. Also consider supplements to give you a dietary boost.
7. Avoid smoking and Tobacco Use
Smoking and tobacco use can inhibit healing and increase the risk of complications after dental surgery. It’s important to avoid these substances while you’re recovering. This would be a good time to put those habits aside so that again your body focuses only on healing.
Recovering from oral surgery comes with challenges and adjustments, but they are only temporary. It won’t take long for you to heal and for you to start enjoying the results of the procedure you had.
By being proactive and taking good care of yourself, you can help ensure a smooth and successful recovery after major dental surgery. If you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist for advice.
