Going into oral surgery can be scary, especially if you’ve never had surgery before. And while the surgery might go smoothly during the procedure, what do you do once you’ve gone home? At Discover Orthodontics, we want all patients to feel confident and secure about their treatment when they leave the office. This is especially important if a patient receives oral surgery; post-op is just as important as the surgery itself. If you’re about to go into surgery, learn the do’s and don’ts so you can have a successful recovery.
- DO Rest After Surgery- Take it easy after oral surgery. Any pain, swelling, bleeding, or soreness you experience will improve if you let your body rest and heal. You may also be drowsy after surgery. See if a family member or friend can take care of you after surgery so you can avoid accidents or injuries when you are not alert.
- DON’T Overexert Yourself- Avoid exercising, such as heavy lifting, pushing, and pulling at least a week after oral surgery. The pressure from exertion can cause brisk bleeding, blood clot formation, and increased swelling.
- DO Take Medication- If your oral surgeon prescribes a pain reliever, antibiotics, or anti-nausea medication, take it as directed. Most of your discomfort should peak within 48 to 72 hours after surgery, so you may feel sorer two or three days after the operation. This is normal, so don’t be alarmed. Take medicine with food to minimize nausea or other uncomfortable side effects.
- DON’T Ignore Bleeding, Pain, & Fever- If symptoms after oral surgery last longer than your post-op instructions state, don’t ignore them. For example, if increased bleeding, pain, swelling, or fever persists, it may be a sign of infection. Call your oral surgeon’s office to report the issue.
- DO Keep The Mouth Clean- On the day of surgery, change the gauze pads in your mouth until the bleeding stops or is minimal. The day after surgery, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water every few hours to wash away food particles and debris. Begin gently brushing your teeth with a manual toothbrush the day after your surgery and avoid the surgical site while brushing. If your surgeon prescribed an antibiotic mouthwash, start using it the day after surgery.
- DON’T Eat Hard & Sticky Foods- Avoid eating foods that are hard, sticky, hot, spicy, and acidic. It can irritate your gum tissue and delay the healing process. Hard and sticky foods can cling to your teeth, break into pieces, and irritate your surgical site.
- DO Elevate Your Head- Elevations can reduce pain, swelling, and bleeding. On the night right after oral surgery, keep your head slightly elevated to relieve pressure around your surgical sites and reduce blood flow to your head.
- DON’T Smoke & Drink- Smoking slows down the healing process and restricts blood flow. Drinking alcohol can conflict with your medication. It can also thin your blood, weaken blood clots, and delay healing. Refraining from both can speed up the healing process and support recovery.
Get Oral Care Help From Discover Orthodontics!
At Discover Orthodontics, we offer orthodontic treatment for all ages! Whether you need braces, Invisalign, or oral surgery, our doctors and staff have you covered. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. Our Brampton and Burlington, ON offices, will be happy to help you if you have any questions or concerns.