Dental Do’s and Don’ts After Oral Surgery
If you’re wondering how to heal properly after surgery, rest assured that your oral surgeon will give you aftercare instructions following the completion of your procedure. For a smooth and speedy recovery, all patients should follow their post-operative instructions as closely as possible. Here at Rockwall Oral Surgery, Dr. Pollock will provide you with all of the tools you need to help navigate the healing process.
Heal With These Post-Op Measures
As previously mentioned above, your oral surgeon will provide you with a long list of instructions for healing. Here are a few of our tips that patients should do after their procedure.
- If your doctor prescribed a medication post-surgery, begin taking it after oral surgery. You should follow the medication directions closely and call the pharmacy if you have any questions.
- We suggest that depending on the severity of the surgery, patients rest for 24 hours after. Individuals should use pillows to prop up their heads during this period and throughout the healing process.
- For pain and swelling, patients can use ice packs on their face in swollen areas for a maximum of 15 minutes at a time to not overexpose the site to the harsh cold.
- Patients should ingest only blended, soft, or liquids foods after surgery. These softer items can include yogurt, smoothies, and soup.
- It’s vital that if your mouth is still numb or bleeding for over 5 hours after surgery, that you contact your dentist.
For any concerns or further questions about things that you should do post-op, we highly recommended that you contact your dentist or surgeon’s office that handled the surgery.
What Not to Do After Oral Surgery
Making sure that you follow the proper do’s after surgery is as necessary as the don’ts. Here are a few of the things to avoid during the healing process.
- Immediately after surgery, patients should not exercise or heavy lifting for at least 24 hours. Moving your head too fast should also be avoided for this period.
- It may seem like a given, but patients should avoid touching or brushing the surgical site for the first few days post-op. They should also not rinse their mouths for 24 hours after, either.
- Everyone should avoid smoking at all costs to maintain good oral health. This recommendation is highly advised after surgery as well. If you are a smoker, attempt to wait a few days to a week to allow the surgical area time to recover and begin the healing process.
Oral Surgery with Dr. Pollock
If you or anyone you know needs oral surgery, please contact Dr. Pollock at Rockwall Oral Surgery to make an appointment with our team. You can reach us today at (469) 264-8921, visit our contact page, or reach us via email at info@dentalimplantsurgery.com. Let’s take care of your oral health needs today!
