What to Do After Dental Surgery
Dental surgery is a common procedure that can help improve your oral health and appearance. Whether you've had a wisdom tooth extraction, dental implant surgery, or another type of dental procedure, proper care is essential for a successful recovery. Here are some home care instructions to follow dental surgery.
1. Rest and Recovery: It's important to rest and recover after dental surgery to allow your body to heal. Avoid any strenuous activities, including exercise, for the first 24 to 48 hours after your surgery. Resting will help minimize swelling and discomfort.
2. Manage Swelling and Discomfort: Swelling and discomfort are common after dental surgery. To manage these symptoms, use an ice pack on your face near the surgical site for the first 24 to 48 hours. After this time, switch to using moist heat, such as a warm washcloth, to help alleviate discomfort.
3. Proper Oral Hygiene: Proper oral hygiene is important after dental surgery to prevent infection and promote healing. You can start brushing your teeth and tongue gently the day after your surgery but avoid the surgical area. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water every few hours to keep the area clean and promote healing.
4. Manage Bleeding: Some bleeding is normal after dental surgery. Bite down gently on a gauze pad for 30 to 45 minutes to help control bleeding. Change the gauze pad as needed, and if bleeding persists, contact your dentist or oral surgeon. A tea bag can sometimes be used as an agent to help reduce or stop bleeding, simply place a new, dry tea bag over the site surgery and gently bite on it.
5. Avoid Certain Foods: Avoid eating hard or crunchy foods for the first few days after surgery. Stick to soft foods such as soup, pudding, and yogurt. Avoid hot and spicy foods, as well as alcohol and smoking, as these can slow down the healing process.
6. Follow Post-Op Instructions: Your dentist or oral surgeon will provide you with specific post-op instructions based on the type of surgery you had. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure a smooth and successful recovery. Foods to consider are soft and packed with nutrition. Examples include scrambled egg, oatmeal, canned fish, plain yogurt, cheese, mashed potato, protein shakes.
By following these home care instructions after dental surgery, you can promote healing and prevent complications. Remember, if you have any concerns or questions about your recovery, don't hesitate to contact your dentist or oral surgeon. Remember to call 911 or report to the nearest hospital in case of excessive bleeding, difficulty breathing, and or swallowing.