Hello Everyone,
The term ‘oral surgery’ can send some people into a state of panic, and while there are incisions involved, the procedure is very safe, and oral surgery is only performed if there are no other treatment options. If you are soon to be going under the oral surgeon’s scalpel, here are some important do’s and don’ts.
- Don’t Exercise For 24 Hours After The Surgery – Your body needs a little time to recover after oral surgery. Therefore, you are advised to take things easy, especially during the first 24 hours after the treatment. Don’t do anything that could be classed as physical exertion, and rest until you feel strong again.
- Do Follow All The Instructions For Pre And Post Op Care – The oral surgeon will give you a list of instructions for both pre and post-surgery, which you should follow to the letter. In some cases, cosmetic dentistry requires surgery and by following the surgeon’s advice the treatment will be less painful.
- Do Consume Liquid And Soft Foods After Surgery – Don’t eat anything hard, as this will likely be painful, and your gums need a little time to heal, so avoid eating anything that requires chewing. Also avoid hot drinks until the numbness disappears, as you could burn the delicate tissue in your mouth.
- Don’t Drink Alcohol For At Least 24 Hours After Surgery – Consuming alcohol can seriously hinder the healing process, and while you might feel you need a strong drink after the treatment, it is best to wait at least 24 hours before drinking that ice-cold beer or glass of wine.
- Do Take The Prescribed Medication – The oral surgeon will likely prescribe some painkillers and perhaps antibiotics, which you should take as prescribed. This will promote fast healing and will guard against infection.
- Don’t Drive To The Appointment – You might feel drowsy after the treatment, so it is a good idea to have a friend or family member drive you to the clinic, rather than drive yourself. Aside from drowsiness, you might feel a little weak and in such a state, it isn’t advisable to drive.
- Do Ask Questions – Knowing exactly what the procedure involves will help you to understand what is happening, and when the oral surgeon discusses the treatment with you, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Of course, the oral surgeon will always keep you informed, but there might be something about post-op care that you are not clear about, so ask when necessary.
- Don’t Brush The Affected Area For A Few Days – The gums will be very tender for the first few days, so avoid brushing that area for a few days. The same applies to flossing, which should be avoided for at least 3-5 days, which will give the gum tissue time to regenerate and heal.
Oral surgery is nothing to be concerned about, and by following the above advice, you will very soon be back to normal. There are things you should do or not do prior to the treatment and this is something that the surgeon will inform you about, which might include not eating or drinking for 1-6-20 hours prior to surgery.