Post-Oral Surgery Guidelines: Recovery Process and Personal Care Instructions

Post-Oral Surgery Guidelines: Recovery Process and Personal Care Instructions

Following an oral surgery procedure, it's essential to follow the recommended aftercare tips to ensure a smooth recovery and minimise the risk of complications. Here's a breakdown of the key areas to focus on during your recovery period.

**1. Pain Management**

To manage pain effectively, take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications as directed, starting before the local anaesthesia wears off. Cold compresses or ice packs wrapped in a damp towel, applied to the cheeks for 15 minutes every hour during the first 24-48 hours, can also help minimise pain and swelling.

**2. Swelling Control**

Swelling is a common post-surgery symptom, but it can be managed with cold packs for the first 24 hours and sleeping and sitting upright. After 24 hours, warm saltwater rinses (½ teaspoon salt in one cup of lukewarm water) several times daily can help reduce swelling and promote healing.

**3. Activity Restrictions**

Avoid strenuous physical activity or exercise for at least 48 hours after surgery to prevent disruption of the surgical site and excessive bleeding. Additionally, avoid smoking and alcohol for at least two weeks as they can retard healing and increase infection risk.

**4. Incision and Oral Hygiene Care**

Immediately after surgery, bite down firmly on gauze pads for at least one hour to control bleeding; repeat if bleeding resumes. Avoid brushing near the surgical site for the first 24 hours, then resume gentle brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush, being careful around the incision site. Avoid commercial mouthwashes, especially those with alcohol, and instead, use dentist-recommended rinses or saltwater rinses to keep the area clean without irritation.

**5. Eating Habits**

Stick to soft, nutritious foods such as yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, eggs, soup, and soft pasta for the first several days to avoid irritating the wound and support tissue repair. Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, or chewy foods and do not use straws for at least a few days, as suction can dislodge the blood clot and cause dry socket, a painful complication. Stay well-hydrated but avoid alcohol and carbonated beverages initially.

**6. Signs of Infection or Complications to Watch For**

Keep an eye out for signs of infection or complications, such as persistent or excessive bleeding beyond 4 hours despite pressure application, increasing swelling after the third day or swelling accompanied by redness and warmth, severe or worsening pain that is not controlled by medication, foul odour or taste in the mouth, fever, or pus discharge. If any of these signs occur, promptly contact your dental professional for evaluation.

By following these recommendations, you can ensure optimal healing, minimise discomfort, and reduce the risk of complications following oral surgery. Remember, oral surgery post-op instructions are typically provided by healthcare providers, so always refer to their guidance for personalised care.

[1] Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Oral Surgery Recovery. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/15098-oral-surgery-recovery [2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Oral surgery: Recovery and care. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/oral-surgery/in-depth/oral-surgery/art-20048025 [3] WebMD. (2021). Oral Surgery Recovery. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/oral-surgery-recovery [4] American Dental Association. (n.d.). After Oral Surgery: What to Expect. Retrieved from https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/after-oral-surgery-what-to-expect

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