Strengthening Your Jaw With Bone Grafting
One of the concerns you might be the most anxious about when it comes to dental surgery is how to ensure a healthy recovery. By following some simple tips, you’ll recover faster, and the process will be much easier. Just have a little patience, and you’ll be back to normal before you know it.
1. Rest as Much as You Can
Right after your surgery, you’ll need rest. Give yourself ample time to relax and let your body start to heal by taking the day off. Ideally, you should avoid doing anything strenuous for at least a week. Depending on the type of oral surgery, you may be advised to reduce your activity longer. Just plan to sit back, relax, and catch up on your favorite shows or movies.
2. Limit What You Eat and Drink
Dental surgery leaves your mouth sore. Plus, the surgical site needs time to clot properly. So, you’ll want to treat your mouth gently. Stick with cool and soft foods. You’ll want to avoid using a straw or chewing anything near the surgical site. Drink cool, not ice cold, water. Eat yogurt, oatmeal, applesauce, pudding, or something similar. The less you irritate your mouth with food and water, the faster it’ll heal.
3. Ice the Area
During the first day, you may need to ice the area. Place a wrapped ice pack against your jaw for around 15-30 minutes at a time. Swelling is completely normal and subsides within a few days.
4. Use Painkillers After Dental Surgery
There will be some pain after your surgery. Depending on the nature of your surgery, you may do well with OTC pain meds. But, prescription meds may be the best option for more intensive surgeries. Managing your pain will make it easier to rest and ensure a healthy recovery.
5. Follow All Your Dentist’s Instructions
You’ll be given instructions to help you heal faster. These include what to eat, how often to take pain medications, what activities are okay, how much to prop up when sleeping, managing any bleeding, and how to brush your teeth. The closer you follow these instructions, the better you’ll heal.
As far as brushing your teeth, you still need to maintain proper oral care. However, you won’t be able to brush the surgical site at first. Be extremely gentle and use only the mouth rinse your dentist provides after surgery until you’re cleared to resume your normal routine. Always use a soft-bristled brush, which is best for your teeth overall.
Have questions about your recovery or upcoming dental surgery? Contact us today, and let our team answer all your questions, including how to help you heal faster.
Related posts
