HOW LONG IS ORAL SURGERY RECOVERY?
There are many variables that go into the suggested recovery times of an oral surgery. Those variables start with you and the makeup of your body. Then they are all over the board depending on the extent and complexity of the surgical procedure. They end with you as well and how well you pay attention to and follow the advice of the oral surgeon when strong suggestions are made in regard to your post-operative care instructions.
Examples related to a specific surgery
Oral surgery can involve the extraction of a tooth to the extraction of an impacted wisdom tooth. It can include far more serious surgery on the realignment of either jaw. It may be a procedure to repair a cleft lip or a cleft palate. It may address facial infections or a facial injury. Finally, it may include the placement of a dental implant to replace a natural tooth. Look at these examples and consider the length of recovery based on the amount of surgery involved.
Variables related to your post-operative instructions
Let’s walk through some common concerns in your recovery from oral surgery. If it was a tooth extraction it is common to notice some slight bleeding up to 24 hours after surgery. The oral surgeon will have provided gauze and instructed you to bite down for at least an hour after the extraction. You will need to carefully remove the gauze and observe some common-sense practices. Swelling is another common concern and is totally normal. It may be suggested you sleep with your head elevated and you may be advised to use an ice pack for a day or so. The swelling will go away naturally and it might take a week. Most importantly, for all oral surgery, is prescribed rest. Physical activity is not recommended for two to three days after your surgery. Typically, you can resume your
normal activities after several days.
Heed the advice of your team
The oral surgeon most likely came at the recommendation of your general family dentist. Pay close attention to what they tell you to do through the recovery process. Think for a moment about a tooth extraction. Will it be wise to enjoy a malt through a straw? You will dislodge the blood clot. Inhaling on a cigarette will have the same result. You may be told to avoid vigorous rinsing and spitting for a solid day. You may also have to brush and floss gently to let the surgical site heal. It may be suggested to rinse your mouth with a warm salt water solution to keep the site clean. You may have received sutures that will dissolve over time but still the site will be tender and need recovery time. Once again, exercise common sense. Make sure you understand what types of food you can eat as well. Depending on your surgery there may be soft foods in your diet for several days. In no time it will be healed and you will have your wonderful smile back. Enjoy!
More on Oral Surgery : Oral Surgery Frequently Asked Questions