At New York General Dentistry, we offer a variety of oral surgery procedures, including tooth extraction, maxillofacial surgery to treat TMJ, implants, wisdom tooth removal, and more. If you’ve recently had oral surgery or are preparing for your procedure, it’s understandable to be nervous about the recovery process. Luckily, you can recover quickly and comfortably by following these five tips:
1. Rest and Recovery
After oral surgery you might want to take a day or two off work, depending on your level of discomfort. Likewise, you should avoid exercise and make sure to get plenty of sleep. Excessive movement will increase blood flow to the face, which can cause bleeding around the treated teeth and increased swelling. It’s best to give your body time to rest so that you can recover quickly and return to work and regular activities as soon as possible.
2. Meal Planning
Patients will be under anesthesia or numbed, depending on the invasiveness of the procedure, and should avoid eating until the numbness has worn off. Until your mouth has healed, we recommend soft foods that are not too spicy, too hot, or too cold. Smoothies, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soup are great options that will satiate your hunger without hurting your sensitive teeth and gums. Avoiding alcohol and smoking until you are fully healed are also great ways to ensure a comfortable recovery process.
3. Pain Management
Cold compresses, anti-inflammatories, and over-the-counter pain medications can be easily obtained to keep you comfortable and reduce swelling. Make sure to follow Dr. Chern’s guidance about pain medication and don’t use more than prescribed. Cold compresses can be applied periodically throughout the day for up to 10 minutes at a time to reduce swelling and soreness.
4. Pay Attention to How You Feel
It’s important to keep track of worsening symptoms in case an infection develops. Luckily, with early treatment, infections can be easily treated. Symptoms to look out for include swelling that lasts longer than 1-2 days, rashes or hives, and persistent pain. While soreness is normal, severe pain that does not improve with pain medication should be discussed immediately with your dentist. Please don’t hesitate to call our office if you have any questions or concerns during your recovery.
5. Keep Your Mouth Clean
After oral surgery, brush around the treated tooth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and carefully floss as normal. Rinsing with warm salt water a few times daily for the first day or two of recovery will help wash away bacteria and keep the healing area clean. Be careful not to aggressively brush the treated tooth and do not swish too hard, since it could irritate the gums or dislodge stitches.
Schedule an Appointment
At New York General Dentistry, Dr. Chern’s goal is to provide comprehensive care in a comfortable treatment environment. If you need oral surgery in Manhattan or have any questions about your upcoming procedure, we encourage you to call our office today or fill out an online contact form.
For over 20 years, Inna Chern, DDS has been offering personalized, high-tech dental care to Manhattan and NYC residents. With a focus on individualized attention and the latest technology, her modern Midtown East office aims to reshape dental care perceptions in New York by prioritizing patient well-being and innovative services.
