Oral surgery can be understood as any procedure that involves making incisions in the mouth or even removing tissues from the mouth for medical or cosmetic purposes. Some of such procedures include gum surgery, tooth removal, and dental implants. Dental surgery may also involve repairing cleft palate or the lip, removing diseased mouth tissues, or even correcting jaw problems. Some cases of oral surgery have to be done by an oral surgeon while others can be handled by a dentist such as Scott Young, DDS. However, as with any other surgical procedure, patients need specialized care after oral surgeries. Below is a rundown of some problems that you can encounter after oral surgery and how you can deal with them.
Pain
Oral surgery is usually done under local anesthesia and you may not feel any pain during the procedure itself. However, as the anesthesia wears off and its effects fade away, it is not uncommon for patients to experience pain and some discomfort. The pain is severest in the first one or two days following oral surgery. Some soreness can persist for up to five days. All in all, it is imperative for you to note that the level of discomfort can vary from one person to another and even from one surgery to another. To deal with pain, your doctor will prescribe some pain medication, and you will have the responsibility of taking them as directed. If the pain does not seem to be improving after two days, you should inform your dentist.
Bleeding
It is unrealistic to expect a surgical procedure without bleeding. Therefore, it is normal to bleed for the first one or two hours following oral surgery. However, the oozing may continue for up to 24 hours. To control bleeding, your dentist will use a gauze pad to minimize bleeding while the blood clots. You will have to continue pressing the wound with gauze until bleeding stops. If the bleeding does not stop after four hours, you might have to inform your dentist or surgeon.
Swelling
After oral surgery, it is quite common for the face to swell. Swelling may last for up to seven days. Luckily, this is an issue that is easy to control. On the first day, you can place a cold compress on the swollen area and remove it in ten-minute intervals throughout the day. On the second day, you should apply something warm on the swollen area. If the swelling seems to be getting worse 48 hours after the surgery, it is imperative for you to contact your surgeon.
The Bottom Line
Overall, it is apparent that oral surgery can help solve a wide range of dental and oral issues. The procedures can either be provided by a dentist or referred to by an oral surgeon. Like with any other surgical procedure, there are several challenges that a patient can experience following oral surgery. Luckily, most of them can be handled by the patient at home. You just have to talk to your dentist or surgeon about what you can expect for you to prepare adequately. You also should stay in touch with your dentist and report any anomalies without delay.
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