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Oral surgery is a common form of treatment for various dental issues. It helps you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. However, surgery of any kind can be scary. This is especially true when it involves the mouth.

Gum Care

It’s important for you to take care of your teeth and gums as they heal from oral surgery. While your mouth and gums are healing, it’s important to avoid eating hard foods or chewing on anything that may irritate them or cause bleeding. Stick to soft foods and beverages like soup, yogurt, pasta, mashed potatoes, ice cream, etc. It’s also important to avoid drinking from a straw for at least a week following the procedure. A straw can jostle the surgical site and cause discomfort.

Once your gums have healed enough, it’s a good idea to schedule a dental cleaning with your dentist to make sure any bacteria has been cleared from the mouth, and the teeth are clean. This can help prevent infection and provide a clean environment for healing. Follow these tips, and you’ll recover quickly!

Swelling

Some swelling is totally normal, as your body responds to treatment by generating extra fluid in the area to promote healing. Mild swelling can usually be managed with over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or aspirin and will usually subside on its own within several days. If you experience more severe bleeding or pain, you should call our office right away. We recommend keeping your head elevated as much as possible during the first few days of recovery. Elevating your head above your heart will minimize swelling and discomfort.

If the swelling doesn’t reduce after a few days, you may have a dry socket. This happens when there is little to no blood clot in the extraction site. Dry sockets can be painful and cause a foul taste in your mouth. There are a few things you can do to prevent dry sockets after oral surgery. Avoid smoking or using tobacco products, as this can interfere with the healing process. Also, avoid drinking through a straw for the first couple of days after surgery. These habits can prevent the clot from forming properly. Use a saltwater rinse to swish gently around your mouth for an extra cleansing effect. This will help encourage drainage and reduce any inflammation.

Bleeding

Follow your surgeon’s instructions about when to brush and floss your teeth after oral surgery. In some cases, you may need to rinse your mouth with a solution of salt water. Your surgeon may recommend an antibacterial mouthwash. If stitches are placed in your mouth, you will need to follow specific care instructions for them.

Pain Control

To manage pain after oral surgery, patients can take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or aspirin. They should also rest with their head elevated for several days after surgery. To avoid complications and ensure proper healing, patients should follow their dentist’s instructions carefully and call the office if they experience any severe pain or swelling for more than two days.

Most types of oral surgery are low-risk procedures, but serious side effects can occur. Patients should discuss their health and medical history with their dentist before they undergo an oral procedure. Those with bleeding disorders or conditions that affect clotting should avoid undergoing oral surgery. Additionally, smokers should be advised to quit at least two weeks before they undergo any type of surgery to reduce the risk of experiencing complications. Your dentist may also recommend certain lifestyle changes to improve your overall oral health in the weeks leading up to your procedure.

At Arizona Dental, we ensure to provide each of our patients with a positive and relaxing experience. If you're ready to experience the best dental care, please contact us from your nearest location. We will be happy to guide you further.