Oral surgery is a big step, but what happens afterward is just as important as the procedure itself. The good news? With the right aftercare, you’ll be back on your feet (and back to eating your favorite foods) in no time! Here’s a rundown of how to take care of yourself post-surgery from Spring Lake Oral Surgery in Spring Lake, NC.
Keep Calm and Stop the Bleed
After your surgery, a little bleeding is normal. You’ll get gauze to bite down on, and you’ll want to keep it there for about 30-45 minutes. If it’s still going strong after that, pop in a new gauze pad. Pro tip: Apply some gentle pressure. For swelling, grab an ice pack and use it on the outside of your face in 15-minute intervals. The cold helps with both pain and swelling.
Stay Ahead of the Pain
Don’t wait until the pain kicks in—take your prescribed medications as directed by Dr. J. Patrick Arnold. If over-the-counter meds are more your style, ask first before reaching for ibuprofen. Staying ahead of discomfort makes oral surgery recovery so much easier.
Soft Foods Are Your New Best Friend
Post-surgery isn’t the time to be a hero with a bag of chips. Stick to soft foods like soup, yogurt, applesauce, and mashed potatoes. Trust us—your mouth will thank you. And whatever you do, avoid using straws! Sucking can dislodge the all-important blood clot, which could lead to complications like dry socket (yikes!).
Gentle is the Name of the Game for Cleaning
Your mouth needs TLC after surgery, so don’t overdo it. After 24 hours, start rinsing gently with warm saltwater. This keeps the area clean and speeds up healing. Be careful not to spit too forcefully! And while it might feel strange, avoid brushing near the surgical site for a couple of days to avoid irritating the area.
Rest is Your Superpower
The key to a speedy oral surgery recovery? Rest. Your body is working hard to heal, so take it easy for at least 48 hours. No heavy lifting, no gym sessions, and definitely no marathons. Just kick back, relax, and let your body recover. Bonus tip: Keep your head elevated when lying down to minimize swelling.
Keep an Eye Out for Warning Signs
While discomfort is normal, you should be on the lookout for red flags. If you notice excessive bleeding, extreme pain, or swelling that doesn’t go down, call Spring Lake Oral Surgery right away. The same goes for any signs of infection like fever or unusual discharge from the surgical site.
Oral surgery recovery doesn’t have to be a daunting process. Follow these steps, take care of yourself, and before you know it, you’ll be back to your regular routine. If you have any concerns along the way, remember Dr. J. Patrick Arnold at Spring Lake Oral Surgery is just a phone call away!
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