Lasers in Dentistry

 

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.