How to Take Care of Your Teeth After Oral Surgery?

When you have undergone oral surgery in Lincoln Square, it is vital that you continue to take proper care of your teeth afterwards. If you are experiencing pain, your dentist or oral surgeon will provide instructions for managing pain post-operatively. Likewise, you will be given aftercare information on resuming a regular diet, as well as things to look out for moving forward. You will be given a list of issues to be aware of and problems to look out for. Once you are home, take care to use proper techniques in oral hygiene to prevent unnecessary complications as you mend.

First, you will be instructed to start with a soft diet following surgery that does not require chewing, consequently protecting your surgical site and gums. It is usually also recommended to avoid caffeine and hot foods and beverages right after your procedure. This is critical, meant to ensure bacteria and food particles do not get trapped in and around the site of the procedure. Next, use a soft bristled toothbrush to clean the teeth not involved in the surgery, foregoing toothpaste in the immediate postoperative period.

You will be given more specific direction from the surgeon. It is critical to keep your mouth clean after any surgery, so it is recommended to rinse carefully with warm saltwater after every meal, even if you cannot use a toothbrush. You may typically begin these rinses within a few hours after surgery, or as soon as you are able to eat soft foods. Moreover, if you are given prescription medications, such as antibiotics or pain medications, be sure to take any RX medicine as prescribed, in the ordered dose and at the appropriate time.

Another tip is to take it easy in the period immediately following surgical procedures. Keeping your head propped up will help keep swelling to a minimum and encourage swift healing. Ice packs carefully placed on the face can also assist in reducing swelling in the area. Skipping the consumption of alcohol also aids in healing. Since dry socket is a concern with any tooth extraction, with this in mind you should be sure not to smoke or use a straw to avoid suction that can interfere with the clotting necessary for the gums to heal after having a tooth removed.

Oral surgery is never a pleasant experience. On the other hand, it is sometimes required to address issues that concern your health. Keeping this in mind, taking care of your teeth and yourself after oral surgery makes the process go a little easier and, in the end, following these tips will have you feeling like yourself again in relatively short order.