Frozen pea bags work well for providing humid heat after 24 hours, and for mild discomfort, taking Tylenol or ibuprofen every three to four hours is recommended. Most oral surgeons will suggest a two-week follow-up appointment to evaluate the wound and look for any signs of complications, such as infection. It is important to attend this appointment, even if you are feeling well, as it ensures that healing is progressing satisfactorily. During the post-operative visit, the oral surgeon may only need to see you for a short period of time.
In addition to attending the follow-up appointment, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions, maintain a healthy diet, practice proper oral hygiene, and visit your dentist and doctor for regular checkups. To reduce pain after oral surgery, avoid chewing on hard or crunchy foods in the area where the procedure was performed for the first 6 to 8 weeks. Additionally, it is recommended to not use straws for at least the first week after surgery. Ibuprofen can be taken at certain doses as an anti-inflammatory drug and has been shown to reduce pain better than vicodin in oral and maxillofacial surgery procedures. Dr.
Chang specializes in dental implants, dental crowns, porcelain veneers, and dental cleanings. To ensure a successful recovery from oral surgery, it is important to follow postoperative instructions as strictly as possible. This includes avoiding rinsing your mouth for the first 24 hours after surgery, but rinsing on the second day is allowed. It is also important to rest and not lift heavy objects or do strenuous exercise for the first few days after oral surgery. Opioids are generally avoided as first-line pain relievers for oral surgery due to their risk of dependence and other unwanted side effects such as respiratory depression, sedation, and constipation.
If bleeding continues for more than 24 hours or is so severe that the gauze needs to be changed more often, contact your dentist or oral surgeon immediately. The two main therapies used to relieve pain after oral surgery are the application of ice and pain medications. Additionally, it is best to consume only liquids or soft foods for the first or second day after oral surgery.
