How to Make the Most of Your Dental Crown
Do you need a dental crown? If so, you’ll want to find out why you’re having one fabricated and installed, and how to make it last as long as possible before needing replacement.
What Can I Expect During Recovery After Oral Surgery?
Oral surgery can feel scary, especially if you’re not familiar with modern techniques designed to minimize trauma and help you heal quickly after your procedure.
At Lancaster Dental Care Associates in Lancaster, California, Dr. Kamran Saidara and his multidisciplinary dental team perform a range of oral surgical procedures, including extractions, wisdom tooth removal, and dental implant placement. Here’s what they want you to know about recovery after oral surgery.
You’ll want to take it easy
After your surgical appointment, plan to spend the rest of the day resting. You may want to take a few days off work while you recover, depending on your procedure. Plan ahead to have someone drive you home if you’ll be receiving sedation. Make sure you have an extra pillow on your bed as you’ll want to keep your head elevated when you lie down.
There are going to be instructions to follow
Follow your surgeon’s postcare instructions religiously. If you’ve had an extraction, you need to be extra careful not to dislodge the blood clot that will form in the empty socket. Failure to protect the clot can lead to dry socket, intense pain, and infection. Your surgeon may instruct you to do any or all of the following:
- Skip brushing, flossing, and even mouthwash for a few days
- Rinse your mouth with salt water, without swishing
- Eat soft foods like oatmeal, applesauce, and mashed potatoes
- Contact your doctor immediately if you notice pus or bad-smelling discharge
Don’t use straws until you’re cleared by your doctor as sucking can disturb the blood clot. Also, avoid any hard candy or gum.
Ice is your friend
Your face might swell or show some bruising. You can apply an ice pack or bag of frozen peas (covered by fabric) to your jaw for 30 minutes, with 15-minute breaks. This will help keep pain to a minimum and reduce swelling and bruising.
We don’t want you to hurt
We’ll recommend over-the-counter pain medications or prescribe pain medication if warranted. If you’re supposed to take pain medication, make sure you stick to the schedule so pain doesn’t break through. Don’t be afraid to call our office if you experience pain hours before your next scheduled dose, or if your pain is bad enough that you can’t sleep.
Oral surgery doesn’t have to be something you dread. At Lancaster Dental Care Associates, we’re on your side. If you need an extraction, a wisdom tooth consultation, or dental implants, call 661-215-8130 or request an appointment online today.
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