Over the summer break, many people will seek to take care of long-overdue dental problems, which means they’ll be getting more sophisticated procedures like root canals, wisdom tooth removals, dental implants, and more. Dental surgery can be a daunting experience, but it’s important to remember that your dentist is there to help you through the process and get you back to your normal routine as soon as possible. One of the most important things you can do to help your recovery is to take good care of your mouth after surgery so you heal faster.

Post-Care: Recovering After Dental Surgery and Speeding Up the Healing Process

You’ll benefit most from taking it easy for a few days and letting your mouth heal. Fortunately, if you’ve got a good dentist, he or she has prepared you so you already know what to expect. 

Beyond taking it easy and letting things heal, let’s look at some more tips on how to take care of our mouths post-op. Letting your mouth heal properly will yield the best long term results and prevent you from unnecessarily having to go back for another surgery.

Tips on How to Care for your Mouth After a Dental Surgical Procedure

Make sure to ask questions before the procedure, then follow these suggestions:

• Follow your dentist’s instructions carefully. Your dentist will give you specific instructions on how to care for your mouth after surgery. Be sure to follow these instructions carefully to ensure a speedy recovery.
• Apply ice to your face. Applying ice to your face can help to reduce swelling and pain. Apply a cold compress to your cheek for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
• Elevate your head. Elevating your head can help to reduce swelling. When you’re sleeping, prop your head up with an extra pillow.
• Eat soft foods. Avoid eating hard, crunchy, or spicy foods for the first few days after surgery. Stick to soft foods that are easy to chew, such as soup, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and pudding.
• Brush your teeth gently. You can start brushing your teeth gently 24 hours after surgery. Be sure to use a soft toothbrush and avoid brushing the surgical site.
• Rinse your mouth warm with salt water. Rinsing your mouth with salt water can help to keep the surgical site clean and prevent infection. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and rinse your mouth for 30 seconds after brushing your teeth.
• Take your pain medication as prescribed. Your dentist will likely prescribe pain medication to help you manage any pain or discomfort after surgery. Be sure to take your medication as prescribed to get the best results.
• Call your dentist if you have any concerns. If you have any concerns about your recovery, don’t hesitate to call your dentist. They can answer any questions you have and provide you with additional care instructions.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure a speedy and comfortable recovery from your dental surgical procedure. Check out this detailed list of most dental procedures and how to recover from post-op dental surgery.

How Long Does it Take to Heal After a Dental Procedure or Oral Surgery?

The healing time after wisdom teeth removal can vary depending on a number of factors, including the number of teeth removed, the complexity of the procedure, and your overall health.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

In general, most people are able to return to their normal activities within 7-10 days after wisdom teeth removal.

Root Canal

Most people feel back to normal within a few days after a root canal. However, it can take up to two weeks for the area to fully heal. 

Dental Implants

Depending on the size and scope of the implants, the skill of the surgeon, and the overall health of the patient, most people are able to return to their normal activities within 2-6 months after dental implants.

Here is a more detailed breakdown of the healing process after dental implants:

• Day 1-3: The first few days after dental implant surgery are typically the most uncomfortable. You may experience some pain, swelling, and bleeding. Your dentist will likely prescribe pain medication to help you manage these symptoms.
• Week 1-2: The swelling and pain should start to subside during this time. You may still be experiencing some discomfort, but it should be manageable. You can start to eat soft foods and brush your teeth gently.
• Week 3-6: The healing process is typically complete by this time. You should be able to return to your normal activities, including chewing hard foods and exercising.

It is important to note that everyone heals differently. Some people may experience a shorter or longer healing time than what is described above.

Extra Help for Recovery Post-Dental Surgery

Here are some additional tips that may help you during your recovery:

• Get plenty of rest. Your body needs time to heal, so it’s important to get plenty of rest. Avoid strenuous activity and try to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated is important for overall health, but it’s especially important after wisdom teeth removal. Drink plenty of water, juice, or other fluids to help flush out bacteria and keep your mouth clean.
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. Smoking and drinking alcohol can irritate your gums and delay the healing process. Avoid these activities for at least 2 weeks after surgery.
• Monitor your pain. If your pain is severe, don’t hesitate to take more pain medication. It’s important to stay ahead of the pain so that it doesn’t keep you from getting the rest you need.
• Watch for signs of infection. If you notice any of the following signs of infection, call your dentist right away:
  • Fever
  • Redness or swelling around the surgical site
  • Pain that is getting worse
  • Bad breath
  • Pus draining from the surgical site

Preventing infection is a hallmark of modern medical best practices. Infection can cause an existing problem to worsen rapidly, leading to systemic health problems. Conversely, disinfecting can reduce inflammation, which speeds healing. 

A great way to speed up your recovery for your body is to eat green powerfoods. Spinach, kale, collard greens and bok choy have all been shown to speed up the body’s healing processes. And they can all be blended into a delicious smoothie with berries for vitamin C and protein to replace the usual meals to which you were accustomed during their temporary absence.

How to Speed Up the Healing Process After a Root Canal or Tooth Extraction

There are many benefits to washing out your mouth with antibacterial mouthwash after dental surgery when you’re recovering. Some of these benefits include:

• Killing bacteria. Antibacterial mouthwash can help to kill bacteria in your mouth that could lead to infection. This is especially important after dental surgery, when your mouth is more susceptible to infection.
• Reducing inflammation. Antibacterial mouthwash can also help to reduce inflammation in your mouth. This can help to relieve pain and discomfort and speed up the healing process.
• Promoting healing. Antibacterial mouthwash can also help to promote healing by creating a clean environment in your mouth. This can help your tissues to heal more quickly and easily.
• Preventing bad breath. Antibacterial mouthwash can also help to prevent bad breath. This is because it kills the bacteria that produce bad breath.

It is important to note that antibacterial mouthwash should not be used for more than 10 days in a row. If you use it for more than 10 days, it can actually kill the good bacteria in your mouth, which can lead to other problems.

If you have any questions about whether or not you should use antibacterial mouthwash after dental surgery, be sure to talk to your dentist. They can help you decide if it is right for you.

Following these tips can help you have a smooth and speedy recovery after wisdom teeth removal.