How Can I Make My Mouth Feel Better After Oral Surgery?
There are multiple reasons why a patient receives oral surgery. They might be periodontal surgery, tooth pulling, or implant placement. For oral surgeries, there is a recovery period. It is essential to stick to the post-operative advice of your oral surgeon carefully to prevent complications and optimize the healing process. The hours after the oral surgery procedure is vital for a speedy recovery. When the recovery is not conducted in the best conditions, it increases the risk of side effects.
How Long Does it Take to Fully Recover from Oral Surgery?
The recovery time typically differs depending on:
- Your physical health.
- Type of oral surgery.
- Age.
Full healing after mouth surgery usually takes up to two weeks.
How Long Does it Take to Feel Normal After Oral Surgery?
You may feel pain, tenderness, and discomfort for several days after the oral surgery. The swelling usually stays for 1 to 2 days. It will go away after one week or so.
You can expect your lips, tongue, and chewing to feel numb for 24 hours after the end of the procedure. It can stay longer depending on the site of numbness and oral and maxillofacial surgery type.
Best Tips for Better Recovery After Oral Surgery
The following tips help you recover faster after the process.:
1. Avoid Disturbing the Blood Clot
Blood clots signify that the wounds in your mouth are healing. Therefore, make sure you do not smoke for a minimum of three days after the procedure. Also, do not consume carbonated or alcoholic beverages and use a straw. The oral surgeon also recommends you avoid spitting harshly and too much because it will disturb the blood clot.
2. Stick to Good Dental Hygiene
Practice perfect oral hygiene regularly after the treatment. Be gentle around the treated area. Always use a soft-bristled manual brush for brushing teeth.
3. Use Ice Pack and Cold Compress
If you experience bruises or swelling, put an ice pack or cold compress on your jaws for half an hour for the first 24 – 48 hours after oral surgery in Petaluma, CA. Now, get rid of it for 15 minutes. Then, repeat these steps. It will minimize the swelling after two to three days.
4. Ensure Proper Hydration
After your surgery, you must stay hydrated but avoid drinking any liquid via a straw because the sucking could dislodge the room. It is also essential to say no to hot, caffeinated, and carbonated drinks on the first day after the mouth surgery.
5. Take Proper Rest
Take Full rest after the oral surgeon finishes the procedure. If the expert has used sedatives, you will feel drowsy. Try to stay at home as much as possible during the first few hours. Therefore, we advise you to take along another person with you, so that he/she will help you go home safely. Strictly avoid heavy activity because that might lead to bleeding and other risks.
6. Eat Carefully
It is essential to take soft food after the surgery like applesauce, yogurt, instant oatmeal, etc. Avoid using spicy, hard, chewy, too cold, and too hot food.
7. Schedule a Follow-up with the Professional
Fix a follow-up appointment with your dentist or oral surgeon two weeks after the surgery. He/she will identify if they spot any issue and update you about the mouth healing.
8. Stick to the Proper instructions
Follow the instructions given by your professional. Wash your mouth with a saltwater solution. You can make it by combining 8 ounces of warm water with half a teaspoon of table salt. To stop bleeding, put gauze on the affected tooth. Always use additional pillows while sleeping to keep your head elevated.
9. Take Pain-Relieving Medicines as Recommended
The experienced dentist or oral surgeon might ask you to take pain relieving medicine or write a prescription. Stick to the instructions properly if you are consuming prescription pain relievers.
10. Quit Tobacco and Alcohol
Do not take tobacco and alcohol for a minimum of one week after the surgery. It’s because it can create complications and delta healing. Speak to the dentist at Petaluma Dental Group if you need any help to stop smoking.