Oral Surgery
Oral and maxillofacial surgery, also known as oral surgery or dentoalveolar surgery, encompasses surgical procedures involving the teeth, soft tissues, or jaws, ranging from wisdom teeth removal to cleft palate repair.
Dental Surgery
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained to treat various facial, mouth, and jaw conditions. Common procedures include dental implants, tooth extractions, and improving the fit of dentures.
Oral surgeons perform simple and complex surgeries and care for accident victims who need reconstructive dental surgery. They can also perform soft tissue biopsies, tumor removal, jaw realignment surgery, soft tissue repair, and implant positioning.
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How long does an oral surgery take?
Most procedures will only take a few hours to complete. Depending on the extent of the procedure and the type of anesthesia used, you may need to stay for a few additional hours to recover. Even if your procedure only takes a few hours, avoiding activity and rest for the rest of the day is advisable.
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How long does it take to recover from an oral surgery?
Recovery time after oral surgery varies, but most patients take 1-2 weeks to heal fully. Immediately after the surgery, it’s essential to rest for 2-3 days. The pain level experienced post-surgery depends on the type and extent of the procedure. You will receive prescribed medication to manage the pain.
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What are tips to help with recovery after an oral surgery?
Here are some tips to help with recovery after oral surgery:
1. Rest for at least 1 day.
2. Follow post-surgery instructions.
3. Apply ice to your jaw to help reduce swelling.
4. Avoid disturbing the blood clot.
5. Practice good oral hygiene to keep the surgery site clean.
6. Do not smoke for at least 1 week following the procedure. -
What foods should I eat after oral surgery?
Following your procedure, we recommend that you eat cool, soft foods. Soft foods will be much easier to consume and are less likely to disturb any blood clots. We recommend foods such as:
- Yogurt
- Applesauce
- Jell-O
- Soups
- Mashed Potatoes
- Rice
- Oatmeal
It is also important to stay hydrated following your procedure, so be sure to drink lots of water. However, do not drink with a straw, as this can dislodge the blood clots. We also advise avoiding carbonation, alcohol, and other hot beverages for a week.
More Questions?
If you have more questions about dental surgery or would like to schedule an appointment, contact our office, and we will be happy to discuss further.
