Bazoom shares some advice for patients to aid recovery following dental surgery, from pain relief to nutrition and problems to look out for.
Recovery from dental surgery is a significant step in the recuperation process and how you handle the initial couple of days can play a significant role in your comfort and general outcome. Whether you had the wisdom teeth extracted, the placement of the implants, or some other type of surgery, it helps to keep in line with guidelines that will promote recovery, alleviate pain and minimise the risk of complications. The following are crucial tips and practices that will assist your recovery journey post-surgery.
Pain and discomfort in the first 24 hours
The first day of recovery will typically cause the most discomfort, so being proactive is a good idea. You’ll be given or instructed to take pain relief; you want to take it as directed, rather than waiting until you feel more intense pain and it’s more difficult to control at its peak.
Rest and keep your head elevated and don’t move around too much. Try not to exert yourself and talk only when necessary to keep the surgical area safe. Placing ice packs gently on the outside of your face will also decrease the pain and discomfort during this time.
Be careful to follow the directions of your dentist or oral surgeon so that you stay one step ahead of discomfort and have a smoother recovery time.
Consider using diazepam
Some individuals feel a great deal of anxiety or jaw tension after undergoing dental surgery, particularly if the surgery was extensive or taxing. In these instances, your dentist might prescribe a short-term supply of diazepam. Famously tranquil, you can also buy diazepam online in the UK to relax jaw muscles, eliminate tension headaches and create a sense of restfulness.
It is, however, only to be used as instructed and under no circumstances should it ever be combined with alcohol or other specific medications. Not everyone will need diazepam, but when given, it can bring needed relief in the initial days of recovery and when combined with other in-home treatment processes, no less so.
Swelling and bruising
Swelling is a natural reaction to oral surgery and can easily be controlled by a couple of simple techniques. For the initial 24 to 48 hours, put a cold compress on the swollen area in 20-minute cycles to reduce the inflammation. After the initial period, switch to warm compresses to promote circulation and healing.
Mild bruising can also result, particularly when more extensive procedures are done. This will resolve in a week’s time. Avoid lifting or bending, which can increase blood pressure and thereby exacerbate swelling. Elevating the head during sleep is also a good method of controlling post-surgical puffiness.
What to eat and avoid during recovery
Your mouth must heal and diet plays a great deal in it. Eat only soft, cool foods like yoghurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes and soups (tempered to lukewarm). Avoid crunchy, hot, acidic, or spicy foods, as they irritate the site or ruin clots.
It’s also not a good idea to drink beverages through a straw, as the suction action can loosen clots and give rise to the excruciating condition called a dry socket.
It’s necessary to get the necessary nutrients to heal, so even when appetite is poor, try to have small, nutritious meals at frequent intervals during the day.
Hydration
Keeping yourself hydrated facilitates the healing process and avoids complications of the kind of dry mouth or tiredness. Drink lots of water during the day, but not too quickly and don’t swish mouthwashes or other fluids about in your mouth.
Avoid alcohol and caffeinated fluids, as they dehydrate and also affect the action of analgesics. Always adhere to any post-operative advice regarding drinking fluids, particularly if you have had sedation or anaesthesia administered. Correct hydration also helps nourish your immune system, which is fundamental in the recovery process.
Keep the surgical site clean and infection-free
Oral care following surgery needs special attention to avoid infection without irritating the site of surgery. You will typically not brush or rinse in the first 24 hours. Following this, rinsing the area gently using a saltwater solution will keep the site clean without being harsh.
Steer clear of alcohol-based mouthwashes, which can irritate or hamper the healing process. Gently brushing the area of the surgery using a soft-bristled toothbrush will do the job. Regular good hygiene practices performed gently and repeatedly will decrease your likelihood of infection and facilitate quicker recovery.
Problem signs
Most post-operative discomfort is normal, but some symptoms require attention. If you have bleeding that doesn’t resolve by applying pressure, uncontrollable severe swelling past the 72-hour mark, pus or abnormal discharge, excruciating pain that isn’t relieved by medication, or a fever indicative of infection or another complication, seek the attention of your dentist or oral surgeon.
It’s always best to err on the safe side and early treatment prevents more severe problems and keeps your recovery on target.
Returning to Normal
Most people can return to light activities in a couple of days, but it’s crucial to let your body guide you. Avoid heavy exercise, bending, or lifting for a minimum of three to five days, as per your dentist’s recommendation. Notice the sensations in your mouth and don’t rush the recovery.
Pushing too hard, too quickly, can cause setbacks or even complications. Make sure to book follow-up appointments, in which your dental care provider can follow up on the recovery and address concerns in a timely manner. Monitoring your progress guarantees potential problems are detected in time and the recovery flows smoothly.
This article is sponsored by Bazoom.
