Do you have a trip planned to your Brooklyn NY dentist for oral surgery soon? If you\’ve never had oral surgery, you may be wondering what to expect during the recovery process. This quick guide will help you determine what to expect and how to handle it.
Bleeding
If you\’re having a tooth extracted, expect to see some bleeding right away and mild bleeding for up to 24 hours. Your dentist will provide gauze that you can use to bite down on for about an hour after the procedure. At home, you may be asked to bite on a black tea bag, as the acid in it has been known to assist with clotting.
Pain
Naturally, any type of surgery is expected to cause some pain, although the severity will depend on exactly which procedure you had done. If your procedure was minor, your dentist will likely recommend you take over-the-counter pain medication. However, more serious procedures may mean you receive a prescription for a stronger pain medication.
Swelling
Swelling is also common after most oral surgeries. While you\’re resting, you\’ll likely want to elevate your head with pillows. For the first 24 hours, an ice pack can also help to reduce any swelling. You may notice mild swelling for up to 10 days after your procedure, depending on which one you have. If you have your lower wisdom teeth removed, slight bruising may also be present. If you have concerns, or if swelling is still present after 10 days, your doctor or dentist can assist you.
Recovery Time
Some oral procedures are very minor and allow you to go back to work the next day, but others require you to stay home for up to three days. If you work a physical job or have physical hobbies, you should avoid them for about 72 hours to give your mouth time to heal.
Of course, not all patients will have the same symptoms after oral surgery. For this reason, it is important to follow your dentist\’s recovery directions exactly. Doing so ensures you heal as quickly as possible so that you can resume your normal routine.