How to Heal Properly from Dental Surgery

Dental surgery can correct a number of oral health issues, from impacted wisdom teeth to jawbone problems. While it might not seem as extreme as heart surgery, it is still a surgical procedure. Therefore, it is essential to take good care of yourself afterward to make a full recovery.

Here are a few tips to heal properly from dental surgery.

Get Proper Rest

Dental surgery might not be a huge surgery, but your body still requires adequate rest afterward. You may feel drowsy after the surgery, so take it easy the rest of the day. Since you won't be able to drive, ask someone to pick you up after your surgery. Your dental surgeon will also want you to avoid strenuous activities, like running or lifting weights, for a while, as it can cause bleeding.

Keep the Area Clean

The last thing you want after dental surgery is an infection. That is why you must maintain a clean mouth. About a day after your procedure, your dental surgeon may advise you to rinse your mouth with salt water several times a day to prevent infection.

Consume Soft Foods

After dental surgery, it's normal for your mouth to be sore. If you eat hard foods, like apples or crackers, you may feel fine. These foods may also irritate the surgical site. As such, you should only eat soft foods during your recovery — such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soup.

Apply Ice

Since you just went through a surgical procedure, you can expect some swelling and soreness. A good way to reduce your discomfort is to apply ice to the area a few times a day for the first couple of days. If the ice feels too cold, try putting a towel underneath it.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking water every day will help speed up the recovery period. Try to drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Be sure to avoid carbonated beverages, as they can irritate the surgical site.

Take Painkillers as Directed

Dental surgery can cause pain in some people, so don't hesitate to take the painkillers your dental surgeon prescribed. Take the medication before you start to feel pain. 

If you follow these helpful tips, you can make a full recovery from your dental surgery. If you have additional questions or are showing signs of an infection, you should get in touch with your dental surgeon promptly.


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