What You Should Do When Recovering from Oral Surgery

What Is Oral Surgery?

It is a dental procedure entailing the cutting of soft tissues accordingly to treat infections or place dental restorations. Oral surgeries are necessary protocols for performing certain restorative and cosmetic dental procedures. The surgeries can be on any part of the oral cavity that entails accessing the internal layers.

Types of Oral Surgeries

Oral surgeries can target different parts of your mouth, including the gums, teeth, and other soft tissues. Some common types of oral surgeries at Dental Zone are:

1. Tooth extractions – although not all tooth extractions require surgery, some do. A dentist will perform oral surgery to remove an impacted tooth, usually stuck under the gums.
2. Dental implants – are tooth replacement dental restorations that require surgery to install. The oral surgeon cuts the gums and drills the jawbone to place the metal post before stitching the gums together.
3. Gum reduction surgery – is an elective cosmetic procedure in dentistry that removes portions of the gum tissue to treat a gummy smile.
4. Gum grafting surgery – is another surgery targeting the gum tissue that treats gum recession. Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue gradually pulls away from the teeth, exposing more tooth structure than is necessary. This condition is common for patients with advanced gum disease. Gum grafting surgery uses gum grafts to replace the damaged gum tissue.
5. Bone grafting surgery – is a similar procedure to gum grafting surgery, other than that it focuses on the jawbone. Bone grafting surgery is a treatment for bone loss, typically done before dental implant surgeries. Bone grafting entails using bone grafts to restore damaged bone tissue in the jawbone.
6. Apicoectomy – is a special type of endodontic procedure done as an alternative to a traditional root canal. The endodontist recommends an Apicoectomy in the case of abscessed teeth that features damaged tooth roots.
7. Cleft lip and palate repair – entails various surgeries that repair the upper palate, and a cleft lip deformed from birth. The surgeries may include some cosmetic dental works for facial reconstructions by an oral maxillofacial surgeon.

Tips for Speedy Recovery After Oral Surgery

Any procedure categorized as oral surgery will take time to heal. The healing period will be crucial to the success of your dental treatment. Mastering a few tips can help you smoothly and speedily recover after any dental surgery.

1. Follow the oral surgeon’s instructions – your dentist knows best. Any instructions they give you regarding caring for your oral cavity after surgery are beneficial for your health. Be especially keen to follow the instructions during the first two weeks of recovery.
2. Resist the urge to dislodge blood clots – wherever the wound is in your mouth, ensure you do not remove the blood clot forming. The clot is crucial for stopping blood flow and promoting the healing process. Avoid using straws when drinking fluids since the air from the straw will dislodge the blood clot. Keep your tongue away from the surgical wound until it has properly healed.
3. Eat soft foods – you may need to give up some of your favorite hard foods for a while until you have fully recovered. Soft foods can also be healthy and wholesome to provide the necessary nutrients in your body. The good news is that they are gentle to consume without risking dislodging blood clots or disrupting the healing process.
4. Don’t brush or floss – although it is paramount that you keep a clean mouth after oral surgery, be cautious about brushing or flossing your teeth. You may need to avoid brushing your teeth during the first two days after your surgery. However, you should find ways to keep a clean mouth. Drink a lot of water to wash down all food residues. You can also use a clean cloth to clean the tongue and remove any loose food debris from your teeth’ surfaces. As you get more comfortable with teeth brushing, get a new toothbrush with soft bristles that will be gentle to your mouth. If you are nervous about teeth brushing and flossing, ask your oral surgeon to recommend tips that will help you maintain a clean mouth as you heal.