If you are preparing for oral surgery – whether it is wisdom teeth extraction, implant placement, or some other procedure – you may feel a bit nervous. During the procedure itself, you will be under sedation. Even if you are not fully asleep, you will likely be unaware of what is happening. Therefore, like many patients, you may be more nervous about the recovery process than about oral surgery itself.
Dr. Chris Tye understands the anxiety you may be feeling. Prior to your treatment at Texas Oral Surgery Specialists, he will explain exactly what you can expect. And he will provide plenty of tips and guidance to make recovery as easy as possible.
Find out for yourself why Dr. Tye is consistently ranked one of the area’s top oral surgeons. Contact our Colleyville, TX, office to schedule a consultation.
1. Choose a doctor who offers effective post-op pain relief
All surgeons will offer some form of anesthesia. But Dr. Tye is proud to provide Exparel®, a non-narcotic pain killer. Administered at the surgical site prior to the procedure, Exparel continues to provide significant pain relief for up to three days after treatment. This makes it far more effective than lidocaine, the most common form of local anesthetic.
2. Prepare for recovery ahead of time
A few simple steps can make your healing stress-free:
- After receiving sedation, you will not be able to drive for the rest of the day, so be sure to arrange for a ride home in advance.
- Stock up on appropriate foods and drinks or do some meal prep ahead of time.
- If you have kids or care for elderly parents, make sure you have someone to help you the day of your surgery.
3. Get plenty of rest
You will need to take some time off of work or school following your oral surgery. The amount of time you need will depend on the type of surgery, as well as how you personally respond to the procedure. Some people can go back to work the following day, but most people will need at least two days to recover.
Even after you return to your regular routine, it may be several days before you can exercise or do any heavy lifting.
4. Take care of the surgical site
After oral surgery, you need to be cautious around the surgical site to keep from irritating the incision or disrupting the sutures. Among other things, Dr. Tye may advise you to:
- Avoid the surgical site when you are brushing your teeth.
- Rinse your mouth with saltwater several times a day.
- Use ice packs to minimize swelling.
- Avoid smoking and drinking through a straw.=
5. Be careful about what you eat and drink
You will need to eat a soft diet for a few days after your procedure. At the same time, be sure to get plenty of nutrients, since your body needs protein, complex carbs, and vitamins to heal properly. You should also avoid hot foods and drinks until inflammation has subsided.
Contact Dr. Tye to Learn More about Oral Surgery
Above all, the best way to ensure an easy recovery from surgery is to choose an experienced surgeon.
Contact our office today to make an appointment with Dr. Tye and benefit from his expertise. You can reach us online or call us at 817-552-3223.
