Fast recovery after oral surgery is possible if you follow simple recommendations.
After oral surgery, whether wisdom tooth extraction, dental implants, or any other procedure, proper recovery is critical to preventing complications and quickly returning to normal life. This period requires special attention to hygiene, nutrition, and general well-being. Failure to follow the doctor’s recommendations and making certain mistakes can significantly slow down the healing process and even lead to serious problems.
No Smoking
Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes significantly slow down wound healing. They constrict blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the surgical area, which impairs tissue nutrition and reduces the activity of immune cells. Not only does smoking slow down healing, it also greatly increases the risk of developing infections such as alveolitis, also known as “dry socket.” Alveolitis is an extremely painful condition caused by the loss of a blood clot in the socket of an extracted tooth, leaving the bone and nerves unprotected.
No alcohol
Alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited during the recovery period. Alcohol, like smoking, negatively affects blood circulation and slows down the healing process. It can also interact with medications you are taking, such as painkillers and antibiotics, increasing their side effects or reducing their effectiveness. In addition, alcohol can thin the blood, increasing the risk of bleeding and preventing the formation of a blood clot, which is necessary for normal healing.
Do not neglect oral hygiene
In the first days after surgery, brushing your teeth in the operated area should be extremely careful and delicate. You should not rinse your mouth vigorously in the first 24 hours, as this may wash out the blood clot. Instead, it is recommended to carefully use cotton swabs soaked in an antiseptic solution to clean the suture area. After 24 hours, you can begin gentle rinsing with a saline solution or special products recommended by your doctor. Ignoring hygiene can lead to the accumulation of bacteria and the development of an infection.
Avoid excessive physical activity
In the first few days after surgery, it is important to rest and avoid strenuous exercise, bending, and heavy lifting. Physical activity can increase your blood pressure and cause bleeding in the surgical area. Give your body time to recover and focus on rest.
Avoid hard, spicy, sour or hot foods
Such foods may irritate the surgical area, injure the sutures and cause pain. It is recommended to eat soft, pureed or liquid foods such as purees, yogurts, pureed soups and smoothies. It is important that the food is at room temperature or slightly cool. Avoid chewing on the surgical side.
Follow all recommendations of your dentist or surgeon strictly
The doctor who performed the surgery knows your situation best and can give you the most accurate and effective recommendations for recovery. Do not hesitate to ask questions and clarify unclear points. Your active role in the recovery process is the key to quick and successful healing. Remember that proper care and compliance with all doctor’s instructions will help you avoid complications and return to normal life in the shortest possible time.