Having a dental operation can be stressful, but it’s necessary for the sake of your health and the strength of your teeth. Before and after each operation, we’ll walk you through what you should and shouldn’t do specifically for each procedure. Here are some general instructions for after-surgery care.
Rest and relax
Make sure to take the rest of the day easy, perhaps by taking it off. You will heal faster if you don’t stress yourself out.
Get a ride home
You might be in pain or still feeling the effects of anesthesia, so organize a ride home after your operation.
Ice it down
Use an ice pack to reduce any swelling caused from the operation.
Know when to call for help
Your wound might bleed for an hour or two after the operation and should heal up, but if it continues to bleed profusely after four hours or more, it might be time to call us. You should also call if you’re in great pain.
Here is a long list of Don’ts – so get ready:
- Don’t poke or prod your wound
- Don’t suck with your mouth, it could reopen your wound
- Don’t drink alcohol for at least 24 hours
- Don’t eat or drink hot foods, let them cool first
- Don’t smoke or use tobacco products for as long as you can after surgery
- Don’t eat crunchy or chewy foods
- Don’t take more than the recommended dose of pain relief medicine
By following these instructions, as well as those given to you by your dentist, you will be well on your way to healing!