Oral surgery can leave your mouth feeling irritated for a while, especially when the numbing gel and sedatives wear off. That’s why it’s important to follow our recovery instructions after you’ve had oral surgery. Proper care reduces the chances of irritation and lets you get back to fully enjoying simple activities.
Oral Surgery
Oral surgery is any surgery that is done in or around your mouth. It’s part of our restorative services available at Northside Dental. The severity and type of oral surgery will depend on the treatment received or needed. Wisdom teeth removal and tooth extraction are two types of the most common dental oral surgeries.
Home Care after Oral Surgery
In most cases, before you leave the office, you will be provided directions on how to care for your mouth after oral surgery. Proper home care after oral surgery is important to ensure the success of treatment by preventing dental infections. It’s important to rest so your body can recover. Use the pain medication as instructed but if you are still experiencing discomfort, ice and over-the-counter remedies such as saline solutions often help.
No Straws!
The blood clot that forms in the tooth cavity after a tooth extraction is an important part of the healing process. If it becomes dislodged too soon a painful condition known as “dry socket” can occur. Your dentist will let you know how long you should avoid vigorous physical activities which can contribute to dry socket. Don’t drink with straws or smoke cigarettes during the healing process because the sucking motion can also dislodge the clot.
Food & Treats to Eat after Oral Surgery
At Northside Dental, we understand how eager you can be to get back to doing daily activities… like eating! But it’s important to not jump right into the same routine, since the area around the surgery site will be tender. So avoid foods that are tough to chew or are crunchy. And yes, you can binge on ice cream if you want. However, here are some suggestions for nutritious foods you can eat after oral surgery.
- Tofu
- Soup
- Eggs
- Jello
- Mashed Potatoes
- Oatmeal
- Pudding
- Soft Fruits
Oral Surgery at Northside Dental
We’ll do all we can to ensure a smooth recovery after your oral surgery. You can count on our team for compassionate and professional care. Dr. Metwally provides tooth extractions and wisdom tooth removal, in addition to other types of oral surgery. Our Raleigh, NC office provides a wide range of dental services for the entire family. Get your appointment for preventive care or cosmetic enhancements scheduled before the holidays! Click on the contact link to schedule.