It’s natural to be apprehensive about an upcoming oral surgery. But here at Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Utah, our friendly professional team will do everything we can to ease your concerns and ensure you have a smooth and speedy recovery.
Follow your oral surgeon’s aftercare instructions — which will be provided before the procedure — and you should have nothing to worry about.
Take it Easy
Strenuous activity is off-limits after oral surgery, as plenty of rest is essential for proper healing. Avoid overexerting yourself — no bending, heavy lifting or exercising for at least three days. And stay away from sports until you get the go-ahead from your oral surgeon.
Take Your Medication
Whether your oral surgeon recommends taking over-the-counter or prescription medication, follow their advice. Make sure not to skip any doses and your post-surgical discomfort should be minimal.
Use Ice & Heat Packs
For the first two days following your oral surgery, use ice packs to reduce swelling and discomfort — alternate face sides and apply for 20 to 30 minutes, on and off. On day three, stop using ice and switch to warm packs.
Stick to Liquids & Soft Foods
Consuming only liquids and soft foods for at least a day or two is important for a problem-free oral surgery recovery. Steer clear of hard and crunchy foods, and don’t drink from a straw until the surgical site is healed.
Keep Your Mouth Clean
Once 24 hours have passed, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Rinsing several times each day keeps your mouth clean and may help with pain relief.
As for tooth brushing, be gentle and avoid the surgical site until it has fully healed.
Don’t Smoke or Drink Alcohol
Oral surgeons advise patients not to smoke or drink alcohol after oral surgery because it can slow the healing process and boost the risk of infection. For the smoothest and speediest recovery, refrain from smoking and drinking for as long as possible after your procedure.
Follow All Oral Surgery Aftercare Instructions
Your oral surgeon may have additional aftercare instructions pertaining to your particular procedure. You might, for example, need to sleep on your back with your head elevated. Or you may be restricted to consuming only cold liquids for a few days. Follow every instruction to give yourself the best chance at a successful recovery.
The professionals at Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Utah, a leader in the greater Salt Lake City area for more than a decade, are committed to providing expert care. Giving every patient a positive surgical experience is our goal.
Whether you’re coming in for dental implants, wisdom tooth extraction, corrective jaw surgery or any other procedure, our experienced oral surgeons and professional treatment team will take every possible step to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery. To learn more, contact our South Jordan, Tooele or Cottonwood Heights office today to schedule an oral surgery consultation.
