Tips to recover from oral surgery

Do’s and Don’ts after surgery

Just because the surgeon does not ask you to admit in the hospital after the surgery, it does not mean you can take the recovery lightly. You need to follow all the doctor’s instructions and some of the points mentioned below.

Do’s

Some do’s you should follow after surgery are:

• Do take your time

After returning from surgery takes a full day rest. If during the process the doctors gave you a sedative, then you will already feel drowsy. So make sure while returning home someone is there with you to drive you home. Moreover, it would be best if you avoid strenuous activities. Do not attempt any heavy lifting, which can result in bleeding and blood clot. Also, when you sleep, use an extra pillow under your head to keep it elevated.

• Do follow the doctor’s instructions.

If the doctor warns you not to use mouthwash or brush, then do not attempt so. It is not right to brush since your mouth will be sensitive after the treatment and may result in infection. The doctor might also prevent you from brushing sensitive spots, and you can clean other parts. 

Furthermore, they may also ask you to rinse your mouth from saltwater at least twice a day. Mostly the proportion is half a teaspoon of salt and 8-ounces of warm water. This habit will help you a lot to reduce the pain and to avoid infection.

• Do apply Ice

It is prevalent that your face might swell and you will experience bruises. So, for the first 24 hours, apply an ice bag to your jaw or where you feel the pain. The process you will follow is you will apply Ice for 30 minutes and then give it a rest then again apply.

Keep on repeating the process the swelling will reduce in 2 or 3 days. However, if the situation worsens or you suffer through fever or a formation of pus, contact your doctor. It may be because of infection.

• Do block the blood

You might bleed from the affected area after the surgery. To slow the blood flow, you can gently bite the folded gauze. However, if the bleeding does not stop even after 24hours, you should discuss it with your doctor. Also, inform your doctor if the bleeding is too heavy that you are changing the gauze very often.

• Do eat healthy food containing Vitamin A and C

Ensure that you eat only healthy food rich in vitamin A and C. These vitamins help in faster recovery from your oral surgery. Also take supplements for better results.

• Guard the clot

It would help if you took care of the clot as it is healing. You do not want to disturb or hurt your clot in the process as it will take more time. So avoid using straw, smoking, or drinking for at least three days after the surgery. Also, try not to spit too much.

• Do keep track of what you eat

Try to eat food that is soft and cold. However, stay away from too cold, chewy, or spicy food. The solid food option that you can have after surgery is instant oatmeal, yogurt, and applesauce.

• Do take your pain meds on time

In the initial stage of surgery, you will need medicine to help for coping with pain. Thus your doctor will prescribe you some pain medicines, so remember to take them on time. Your doctor might suggest you over-the-counter pain killers like NSAIDs or acetaminophen. These medicines will release your pain in less than 48 hours.

• Look for abnormality

Watch out for any other complications like swelling, infection, fever that continues after two days. Inform your doctor if you are facing trouble swallowing or breathing. Some people also get an allergic reaction to the anesthesia provided by the surgeon.

Don’ts

You should not carry out the points mentioned below after going through oral surgery:

• Don’t push yourself

Remember, you will be vulnerable after the surgery. So do not push your limit by doing heavy lifting or going to the gym. You will need proper rest and care and after you recover, ask your doctor when you can start your running or workout.

• Don’t consume hot drinks or food

Try not to consume any hot drink or food until you have recovered from numbness. This act helps in avoiding cases of burnt roofs or the tongue of your mouth. You will already have to care for surgery recovery, and you do not want any more problems.

• Avoid hard or chewy food

Food like carrots or popcorn that require more chewing can increase the pain. So have them only after 6 to 8 weeks of surgery. Also, avoid crunchy food like chips.

• Say no to smoking

Saying no to smoking is better for your overall health. However, you must make sure you are not smoking at least after surgery for the next 24 hours. Moreover, if you need help regarding smoking cessation, you can consult with your surgeon.

• Avoid drinking alcohol

If you drink alcohol within the first 24 hours after the surgery, it can affect your healing process. So ensure that you avoid consuming it while you are suffering from pain or is under medication.

Conclusion

The above tips will surely help you while you are in your recovery phase. So make sure you follow it to avoid complications. Also, attend post-surgery check-ups to ensure you are healing at the right place. If you feel any other risk, you can consult with your doctor.