Our Aftercare Guidelines for Oral Surgery

If you have an injury, defect, or disease that affects your teeth, mouth, and jaws, then it may be inevitable for you to undergo oral surgery to address your dental concerns. The period after having your oral surgery is crucial as it impacts your healing.

To ensure a speedy recovery, you have to follow the post-surgery instructions prepared by our team of dentists in Ann Arbor. Below is the aftercare guidelines for oral surgery that we compiled together:

Comply with the instructions of your oral surgeon

Your oral surgeon is a professional who knows the best way to promote your fast and hassle-free recovery. Make sure to take note of and follow all of their instructions to prevent facing any complications after your oral surgery.

Take your pain medication

After undergoing oral surgery, it is highly likely that you are going to experience pain and swelling. This is especially troublesome since it can affect your concentration and comfort, which can interfere with your daily activities, tasks, and errands. Your oral surgeon is aware of this, which is why they probably have already directed you to take pain medication.

Consume your medicine according to your oral surgeon’s instructions. For best results, take it even if you are not yet in pain. You may use a medication reminder to avoid skipping a dose.

Take a rest as much as you can

Oral surgery requires you to recover your body properly. Therefore, you need to take a rest as much as you can, especially during the day of your oral surgery. If you need to take sick leave, make sure to prepare and inform your co-workers in advance.

Pushing yourself to the limits may cause excessive bleeding after your oral surgery. Because of this, use the period after your surgery to rest and recover. While it can get tempting to go for a run or hit the gym, it is best to avoid doing any strenuous activities until you fully heal.

Ice your face and keep your head held up

Your mouth and face are prone to swelling after your oral surgery. To prevent inflammation, ice your face throughout the day every 15 minutes. You can also reduce swelling and promote proper blood flow to your face and mouth by holding your head up at all times for the first few days after your surgery. Use stacks of pillows if you need to lie down.

Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol

The first 24 hours after your oral surgery is critical to your recovery. Practicing unhealthy habits can hinder your healing process.

Make sure to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol at least for an entire day following your oral surgery. If you are having trouble with controlling your urges, then you may seek help from one of our dentists in Ann Arbor.

Conclusion

Depending on the procedure you had, recovering from oral surgery can involve pain, discomfort, swelling, and bleeding. By following the aftercare guidelines we prepared, you can have better chances of having a faster and more convenient recovery.

Get the confidence to flash your pearly whites with our top-notch dental care in Ann Arbor. We offer various dental services catered to your needs, which include oral surgery, wisdom teeth extraction, cosmetic dentistry, and more. Contact us to book an appointment now!