Going through an oral surgery is one of the bravest decisions and actions one can make and congratulations! You have made it through your surgical treatment. The first 2 to 3 days after the surgery is essential and complex because you will have to take care of your mouth to ensure a quick and smooth recovery, without any infection. Here are simple ways to ease the pain after an oral surgical procedure.
Use cotton gauze
As bleeding might occur after the surgery especially on the first day, biting gently on a cotton gauze for 30 minutes helps to reduce the flow of the blood. You must change it with a new one for another 30 minutes. Please note that if bleeding is excessive for more than 24 hours that you have to change the gauge more often, you must call your oral surgeon immediately.
Avoid hot, spicy, and hard food
After surgery, your food intake will be limited for the first few days. A soft diet is always suggested for at least one week. You may eat anything soft such as mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, ice cream, and pudding. You must avoid anything hot and spicy as it may upset your stomach while you are still taking pain medications. One thing that should be emphasized here is that you should not miss a single meal to ensure that you heal faster. In addition, you should hold off from smoking after an oral surgery. It is never recommended because your mouth needs to heal. If you smoke, the nicotine causes your body to circulate blood less effectively; hence leading to a decreased level of oxygen in your body. This will significantly impact your recovery process.
Swelling is always likely to occur
Pain can even peak after 48-72 hours after. If swelling occurs, you may apply ice packs on the outside of your face. If swelling or muscle soreness persists, you may continue applying ice packs 3x a day, for 15 minutes, but let your face rest for 30 minutes before you apply another ice pack.
Take all medications as prescribed
This is one of the things that should be on top of your list. To ensure that there will be no inflammation or infection after the surgery, you must ensure to take all your medications on time. In the event that side effects occur, you may contact your dentists immediately.
Gargle with warm salt water
Most dentists suggest that gargling gently with a warm salt water can extract the bacteria while protecting the gums. You can do this 3x a day to keep the surgical area clean. This is one of the instructions being advised when it comes to oral hygiene.
Avoid Physical Activities
As exercise leads to an increased blood pressure, this can cause the surgical area to bleed; hence, most oral surgeons recommend not to engage into physical activities after surgery. A condition called dry socket, wherein the blood clot in the surgical area may be dislocated can also occur. You should always consult with your surgeon when is the right time to start exercising again.
Reach Out in Case of Emergency
In case of emergency, please do not hesitate to contact our office. If you have stitches in your mouth and require additional treatment, our staffs will reach out to you for further details. Please let us know.
Going through an oral surgery is one of the bravest decisions and actions one can make and congratulations! You have made it through your surgical treatment. The first 2 to 3 days after the surgery is essential and complex because you will have to take care of your mouth to ensure a quick and smooth recovery, without any infection. Here are simple ways to ease the pain after an oral surgical procedure.
Use cotton gauze
As bleeding might occur after the surgery especially on the first day, biting gently on a cotton gauze for 30 minutes helps to reduce the flow of the blood. You must change it with a new one for another 30 minutes. Please note that if bleeding is excessive for more than 24 hours that you have to change the gauge more often, you must call your oral surgeon immediately.
Avoid hot, spicy, and hard food
After surgery, your food intake will be limited for the first few days. A soft diet is always suggested for at least one week. You may eat anything soft such as mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, ice cream, and pudding. You must avoid anything hot and spicy as it may upset your stomach while you are still taking pain medications. One thing that should be emphasized here is that you should not miss a single meal to ensure that you heal faster. In addition, you should hold off from smoking after an oral surgery. It is never recommended because your mouth needs to heal. If you smoke, the nicotine causes your body to circulate blood less effectively; hence leading to a decreased level of oxygen in your body. This will significantly impact your recovery process.
Swelling is always likely to occur
Pain can even peak after 48-72 hours after. If swelling occurs, you may apply ice packs on the outside of your face. If swelling or muscle soreness persists, you may continue applying ice packs 3x a day, for 15 minutes, but let your face rest for 30 minutes before you apply another ice pack.
Take all medications as prescribed
This is one of the things that should be on top of your list. To ensure that there will be no inflammation or infection after the surgery, you must ensure to take all your medications on time. In the event that side effects occur, you may contact your dentists immediately.
Gargle with warm salt water
Most dentists suggest that gargling gently with a warm salt water can extract the bacteria while protecting the gums. You can do this 3x a day to keep the surgical area clean. This is one of the instructions being advised when it comes to oral hygiene.
Avoid Physical Activities
As exercise leads to an increased blood pressure, this can cause the surgical area to bleed; hence, most oral surgeons recommend not to engage into physical activities after surgery. A condition called dry socket, wherein the blood clot in the surgical area may be dislocated can also occur. You should always consult with your surgeon when is the right time to start exercising again.
Reach Out in Case of Emergency
In case of emergency, please do not hesitate to contact our office. If you have stitches in your mouth and require additional treatment, our staffs will reach out to you for further details. Please let us know.
