Oral surgery is usually less invasive than other operations. But like any surgery, there’s still a recovery period. It’s important to be prepared and carefully follow the instructions given to you by your oral surgeon to ensure you have a smooth and successful recovery.
Here we’ll discuss what to expect and provide some helpful tips for taking care of your mouth after dental implant surgery or any other procedure.
Types of oral surgery
Oral surgery is a broad term that can refer to any operation performed on or around the teeth, gums, jaw, or other surrounding structures.
A variety of different procedures fall under the umbrella of oral surgery, including but not limited to:
- Dental implants
- Tooth extractions
- Root canals
- Dental bone grafts
- Jaw surgeries
- Periodontal (gum) surgeries
What to expect before dental implant surgery or other procedure
Prior to any type of oral surgery, you will have an initial consultation with your provider. At Smart Arches, consultations are free and include a medical history review, a comprehensive exam, and x-rays or other imaging needed to evaluate your teeth, gums, jaw, and overall oral health.
From there, we’ll discuss all your options with you, including treatment costs and timelines, and answer any questions you may have. We’ll schedule a treatment time that works for you and make sure you understand exactly what to expect from your procedure.
Recovering from oral surgery
Follow instructions
Before your procedure, your surgeon will give you instructions on how to care for your surgical site to ensure you heal as effectively and as quickly as possible. The details of your post-surgery care will depend on the type of procedure and your specific situation.
Stay hydrated
Drinking water is always good for your health. But it’s especially beneficial after oral surgery. Staying hydrated not only speeds up the healing process, but also helps to flush out bacteria and left-over food particles to keep the surgical site clean. Just be sure to stick to water as sugary or excessively warm drinks can cause irritation.
Take pain medication
You may be prescribed pain medication by your surgeon, which you should take as instructed. They may also recommend sticking to over-the-counter options such as Tylenol or ibuprofen to manage your pain.
It’s a good idea to talk to your surgeon about any medical allergies you have so you can find something that works for you.
Stick to soft foods
After surgery, your mouth will likely be highly sensitive and vulnerable to wear and tear. Soft foods such as soup, yogurt, smoothies, and oatmeal are great options. Just be sure to avoid meals that are especially hot, crunchy, or spicy.
Get plenty of rest
Simply taking it easy will go a long way toward having a smooth recovery. If you’ve been under sedation during the procedure, you’ll likely be drowsy for the next 24 hours or so. Any type of strenuous activity may put you at risk of tearing or damaging a fresh surgical site, so be sure to relax, get plenty of sleep, and don’t overexert yourself.
Apply a cold compress
It’s common for patients to see some bruising or swelling in the days following oral surgery. Applying a cold compress can help bring the swelling down and alleviate pain. If you decide to ice your face, it’s recommended to alternate on and off for about 15 minutes at a time.
Visit Smart Arches for comprehensive care during and after oral surgery
At Smart Arches, we offer high-tech, advanced dental care to patients in a warm and welcoming environment. We approach our work with precision and compassion, ensuring you get the high-quality dental care you deserve. No matter how significant your concerns are, we can help. With state-of-the-art technology and specialized experience, we can provide the expertise you need.
Contact us today to schedule a FREE consultation at one of our four locations. We can’t wait to meet you!
