Oral surgery is a type of surgery you get in your mouth, which can treat many dental conditions. Once you get oral surgery, it’s critical to prevent infection and let your mouth and body recover from the procedure.
According to systemic dentist Alireza Panahpour, DDS, of The Systemic Dentist in Los Angeles, California, following your after-care instructions and focusing on your dental health and overall wellness helps you ensure your mouth stays healthy post-surgery. Follow these tips to ensure you maintain your oral health after getting oral surgery.
Understanding oral surgery
Oral surgery refers to any surgery performed on your mouth’s soft tissues. Dr. Panahpour conducts numerous types of oral surgeries, including tooth extractions, dental implant placement, and removing deep, hidden dental infections.
Dr. Panahpour only recommends oral surgery to you when he determines other, more minimally invasive treatments won’t effectively fix your issue. As a systemic and biologically-based dentist, Dr. Panahpour considers your overall health and physical needs as he recommends and prepares your surgery.
For your surgery, Dr. Panahpour uses state-of-the-art equipment and techniques and takes a highly personalized approach. You can expect detailed instructions on preparing for the surgery, what to expect during the procedure, and how to care for your mouth after surgery.
Keeping your mouth healthy once you get oral surgery
While all surgeries are different, Dr. Panahpour recommends following these general guidelines when recovering from your oral surgery.
Follow your after-care instructions
Dr. Panahpour prepares comprehensive after-care instructions that are customized to your procedure and personal needs. This includes care you do yourself at home and attending any scheduled follow-up appointments at The Systemic Dentist.
By following Dr. Panahpour’s advised care plan, you maximize your chances of making a full, complication-free recovery after surgery. If you have any questions or concerns about your after-care plan, Dr. Panahpour is always available to consult with you before or after your surgery.
Prevent excessive bleeding, and let your blood clot
After most oral surgeries, it’s normal to bleed for up to a day after the procedure. To minimize or stop the bleeding, bite down on the gauze provided to you.
Once your blood clots, avoid disturbing the clot by avoiding drinking carbonated drinks or alcohol, drinking from a straw, smoking, or spitting excessively for a few days. This minimizes your risk of infection and complications while your surgical wound heals.
Eat a soft food diet
For the first few days after surgery, eat foods that are soft and cooling in your mouth. Good foods to try include applesauce, yogurt, and oatmeal.
Control pain and swelling
It’s normal to experience some swelling and pain, especially the first few days after your surgery. Dr. Panahpour advises you on pain management techniques, including prescribing pain medication if needed.
For swelling, you can use an ice pack for up to 30 minutes on the area where you had surgery. NSAID painkillers, such as ibuprofen, also help reduce swelling.
Watch yourself for any complications
If you notice any symptoms or potential complications after surgery, contact the team at The Systemic Dentist right away. These include signs of infection, bleeding lasting over a day, swelling lasting more than 2-3 days, and fever.
With his systemic approach, Dr. Panahpour performs effective oral surgery that ensures your overall well-being. To make an appointment to discuss oral surgery at his Brentwood, Los Angeles office, call (310) 986-6001.