6 Healing Tips After Your Oral Surgery

A Brush Above Family Dentistry uses modern technology to ensure seamless and painless extractions, implant surgery, and other surgical procedures. Even when oral surgery is issue-free, there’s a healing period. Drs. Marcella Guzman, Philip Fidel, and Rosa Sinno provide all patients with healing tips to ensure event-free recovery. 

Tips for recovery after oral surgery

You may need oral surgery in Chicago, Illinois, for several reasons. You may want to replace your missing tooth with an implant. Sometimes, it may be to extract your impacted wisdom tooth. Whatever the reason, you can expect a comfortable experience during and after your treatment. 

Although rare, complications can arise after your oral surgery. However, observing the following post-op instructions can ensure a seamless recovery. 

1. Take the medications as prescribed

The doctor may prescribe an antibiotic before and after your procedure to minimize the risk of infection. Following the prescribed dosage and completing the entire course of antibiotics is crucial, even if you start feeling better before finishing the medication. Stopping early can lead to recurring infections and contribute to antibiotic resistance, making future treatments less effective. 

The doctor may also prescribe pain medications to help ease discomfort during recovery. When the doctor doesn’t recommend painkillers, ask them about the over-the-counter medications they recommend should you experience pain. 

2. Get plenty of rest

Rest is the best medicine for allowing your body to heal from anesthesia and the treatment itself. Your doctor will tell you to clear your calendar for a few days to allow your body to rest. This means you must avoid strenuous activities like weight lifting, cycling, or stressful work. 

3. Use ice

It’s normal to experience mild pain, bruising, and swelling at the surgical site within 24 hours after your procedure. The good news is that these discomforts are easily manageable with a cold compress. Keep your head elevated and apply ice on the outer cheeks of the affected area. 

4. Watch your diet

Chewing might be painful a few days after your surgery. Similarly, what you eat can disturb the treatment area, prolonging your recovery. Stick to soft foods and liquids to allow your gums to heal properly. Some recommended foods include broths, mashed potatoes, smoothies, yogurt, and puddings. Avoid hot, sticky, and spicy foods, as they irritate the treatment area. Gradually introduce more foods as your mouth heals and the treatment area becomes less sensitive. 

Furthermore, avoid smoking because tobacco contains substances that can slow your healing rate. It would be best if you also stayed away from alcoholic drinks as they can irritate your treatment area. 

5. Observe good oral hygiene

The last thing you want is an infection on the surgical site. For the first 24 hours, gargle your mouth with warm, salty water. You can brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush, but be gentle around the treatment site to avoid dislodging the stitches. Consult your dentist about using oral rinses. Some contain alcohol and other substances that can irritate your wound. 

6. Adhere to post-operative visits

Don’t skip your follow-up visits with your dentist even if you don’t have concerning symptoms. We’ll monitor your healing progress and detect any problems that may have passed your notice at home. 

Remember, each patient is unique. When you experience unexpected symptoms, you don’t have to wait for the scheduled appointment. Contact your dentist immediately. 

Do you need to recover faster from oral surgery?

Recovering from a surgical procedure largely depends on the patient’s good practices. Following the post-operative instructions is essential to avoid infections and unnecessary pain. Would you like to learn more about oral surgery recovery tips? Call (773) 840-0378 to talk to the team at A Brush Above Family Dentistry.

Dr. Marcella Guzman

Dr. Marcella Guzman is an admired dental professional renowned for her unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care, with a rich background in biology and sociology. Since graduating from The University of Illinois Dental School in 1994, she has enhanced her skills through extensive continuing education, specializing in cutting-edge technologies such as Cerec 3-D, sleep apnea, Invisalign, and laser dentistry. Her dedication to staying up-to-date on the latest advancements ensures that her patients receive top-notch care. A distinguished member of The American Dental Association and Chicago Dental Society, Dr. Guzman's wealth of experience, coupled with her compassionate approach, establishes her as a trusted specialist in the field of dentistry.   

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