How Long Does It Take to Recover from Oral Surgery?
While full recovery after an oral surgery can take a few days to a few weeks, most patients are able to resume their normal routine within 24 to 72 hours. Recovery time varies depending on the complexity of the surgical procedure, the patient’s age and health condition, and their natural ability to heal.
Recovery
is usually faster when a skilled and experienced dentist performs the oral
surgery because they will utilize advanced surgical tools and technology, adopt
less invasive and high precision techniques, prepare a customized surgery plan
tailored to your specific needs, and achieve the surgical goals while causing
minimal tissue or bone trauma and little to no discomfort.
When
you are seeking a dental implant surgery, tooth extraction, oral injury repair,
periodontal surgery, dental crowns after root canal or cosmetic dental surgery, make sure you choose a dentist
with decades of experience and a proven track record of performing complex
procedures successfully. With a less experienced or less qualified dentist, the
risks of surgical errors, post-op complications, and delayed, prolonged or
painful recovery could be higher.
Recovery Time After Dental Implant Surgery
The
immediate recovery following a dental implant surgery will take about 24 to 48
hours for most patients. But the recovery time may extend by a few days if you have
received multiple implants at the same time, or the procedure involves jawbone
grafting.
As
long as you work with a highly rated dental implant surgeon, abide by their
pre- and post-operative care and oral hygiene instructions, and diligently
maintain the prescribed follow-up visits, your recovery is likely to be faster,
safer and more comfortable.
In
case of dental implants, a biological process known as osseointegration will
occur over a period of four to six months after your oral surgery. During this
time, the titanium implant will naturally fuse or integrate with the bone
tissue, and become the closest possible replacement for the missing natural
tooth root. Once the osseointegration process is completed, your dentist will attach
the abutment and place a dental crown in a single visit.
Recovery Time After Tooth Extraction
Removal
of a damaged or impacted tooth, malpositioned tooth, or a wisdom tooth involves
oral surgery. Although you should be able to return to your routine activities
within 48 to 72 hours after a tooth extraction surgery, complete healing may
take around one to two weeks. Depending on the surgical complexity and the
number of teeth extractions involved, you may experience the following
temporary symptoms:
· Mild swelling in the
mouth, cheeks and mid-face, which should gradually resolve within one week.
· Mild stiffness and
soreness in the jaw, which will subside in about 7 to 10 days.
· Intermittent pain in the
treated area for a few days, especially if the extraction was complicated.
· Temporary numbness,
tingling, or altered sensation around the face and/or lips area.
· Unpleasant taste in the
mouth.
Your
dentist may prescribe pain medications in the first week to keep you
comfortable as well as antibiotics to minimize the risk of infection. If you
experience persistent or severe pain, abnormal swelling, excessive bleeding or fever,
consult with your dentist to receive the right advice and care.
Oral Surgery Recovery Timeline
Here
is the typical oral surgery recovery timeline, which should give you an idea of
how to plan and prepare for a safe and comfortable recovery.
First 24 Hours
It
is best to stay home for the first 24 hours after your oral surgery, take
plenty of rest, and sleep well. Avoid driving during this time if you were
sedated during the surgery, or you are taking painkillers that cause
drowsiness. Minor bleeding in the incision sites may occur, which can be eased
by placing sterile gauze and applying mild pressure for a few minutes. Use ice
therapy in the first 24 hours to mitigate initial swelling and inflammation.
Next 48 Hours
By
this time, you will most likely recover enough to return to your regular
routine, and go back to your school or workplace. However, continue to avoid
vigorous exercises, contact sports, or any other activity that exposes your
mouth to the risk of injury. If your dentist placed dissolvable sutures, these
may get absorbed by the end of the third day. If the oral surgery was more invasive
involving multiple locations, or you had a complex procedure (such as mouth
reconstruction), you may need more days before you can resume school or work.
One Week
Most
of the swelling would disappear within a week to 10 days, and stiffness or
soreness in the facial muscles will also considerably ease up. Your prescribed
course of pain meds and antibiotics may get completed around this time. You
should be able to eat, drink, and brush your teeth (except in the wound site) normally
by the end of this phase. Make sure you continue to follow the precautions your
dentist may recommend to ensure safe healing during this period.
Two Weeks
By
this time, most of the healing of the tissue and bone would be complete. Your
dentist would likely require you to visit for a follow-up appointment at the
end of two weeks. Even if you are feeling fine, it is important to have
yourself examined for any signs of infection, slow healing, or any other
post-operative complications. Practice good oral hygiene throughout this phase
and beyond in order to restore and maintain long-term oral health.
Do’s and Don’ts to Expedite Your Oral Surgery Recovery
Do’s
· Follow your dentist’s
post-op care instructions for safer and faster healing.
· Rinse your mouth with salt
water or use an antiseptic mouthwash as directed by your dentist to minimize
infection risks.
· Take your pain medications
and antibiotics on time.
· Use ice therapy in the
first 48 hours to improve swelling.
· Stay alert to any signs of
uncontrolled bleeding, pus, fever, persistent pain, and abnormal swelling, and report
to your dentist.
· Eat soft and nutritious
foods and gently brush or clean your mouth each time after your eat in the
first few days (except the wound area).
· Do not miss your
post-surgery dental appointments as scheduled with your dentist.
Don’ts
· Do not engage in vigorous
activities or lift heavy weights in the first few days of post-operative
healing.
· Do not drive in the first
24 hours if you were placed under sedation during your oral surgery.
· Do not smoke and avoid the
use of blood thinners or NSAIDs during the early recovery phase as directed by
your dentist.
· Do not use a straw to
drink, which could disrupt the blood clot while the wound in the mouth is
healing.
· Do not eat too hot or too
cold foods, and avoid carbonated, caffeinated or alcoholic beverages for the
first few days.
· Do not eat hard, sticky or
crunchy foods for the first few days or weeks as recommended by your oral
surgeon.
· Do not brush or floss in
the area where the oral surgery was performed until you receive a go-ahead from
your dentist.
Choose a dentist for Safe and Predictable Oral Surgery Outcomes
You should choose a dentist for oral surgery outcomes. Sunshine Smiles Dentistry is one such dentist in Roswell, GA 30076.
