Dental surgery is required to treat a variety of dental conditions. There are some surgeries that are more invasive than others but, with all types of dental surgery, the individual should know what to expect. If a person wants to properly heal after dental surgery in Suffolk County, NY, there are certain instructions that they should follow.
Reduce the Pain and Swelling
When the numbness wears off, the individual will likely start to feel pain. Also, there will likely be a certain degree of swelling. To reduce the swelling, the individual should apply an ice pack to their face. They should leave it on for 15 minutes and take it off for 15 minutes. This should be done for the first 24 hours after the surgery. If the individual was given pain medication, they should take it exactly as directed. If the dentist told them to take an over-the-counter pain reliever, they should avoid using aspirin. This can thin the blood, causing excessive bleeding at the surgery site.
Physical Activity
On the day of the surgery, the individual should avoid overexerting themselves. For the first few days after the surgery, they should avoid intense exercise, heavy lifting, and bend over.
Eating and Drinking
The individual should avoid eating until the Novocaine has worn off. After, they should stick to a soft diet for the first 48 hours. For the first six to eight weeks after the surgery, they should avoid hard foods such as popcorn, candy, and carrots. Also, the individual should avoid drinking alcoholic beverages and smoking for the first 24 hours. These things can delay the healing process.
When To Call the Dentist
There are certain signs the individual should look for after surgery. If there is a good deal of bleeding that hasn’t stopped after the first 24 hours, they should contact the dentist. If a fever spikes, they should also contact the dentist. Finally, if they are in a great deal of pain that is not relieved with pain medication, they should contact the dentist.
After dental surgery in Suffolk County, NY, it is important that the individual takes care of themselves to be sure that the surgery site heals properly. For more information, contact Business Name.
