Your oral surgeon will work closely with you to plan for all aspects of your post-operative care so that you feel comfortable with the course of action and are able to follow through on the recommendations. Please bring up any questions or concerns prior to oral surgery so that we can address them with you.
How Antibiotics and Painkillers Can Help You Recover After Oral Surgery
The most common patient complaint after oral surgery is pain management, and medications can play an important role in this effort. Many patients will find that over-the-counter analgesics, such as acetaminophen, will suffice, while others may require stronger prescription drugs.
We understand that some patients will have concerns about the potential consequences of taking prescription medications, and we will do everything possible to prescribe a course of treatment that makes you comfortable.
Additionally, post-operative infection can derail your healing process, so we may prescribe a course of prophylactic antibiotics to reduce this risk. If you have any concerns about this, don’t hesitate to bring them up so that we can discuss them thoroughly.
Importance of Following Post-Operative Instructions
In addition to taking antibiotics and/or painkillers as directed, there are also other important instructions that your oral surgeon will provide so that you can care for your smile properly after your oral surgery. We will give you a written list of instructions that may direct you to:
- Abstain from smoking after the procedure, as it can cause inflammation that interferes with healing.
- Avoid using drinking straws after wisdom teeth extraction to reduce the risk of dry sockets.
- Use heating pads or ice packs to manage swelling.
- Clean the surgical site gently and thoroughly.
Signs of Possible Problems After Oral Surgery
We also want you to be aware of symptoms that could indicate a post-operative complication that warrant immediate follow-up with the oral surgeon for guidance or further evaluation.
- Persistent or severe pain
- Persistent or severe bleeding
- Persistent swelling
- Bad breath/unpleasant taste in mouth
- Visible signs of infection, such as pus
If you notice any of these issues, don’t delay in calling our office. Even if you are experiencing a problem after hours, our answering service can reach the on-call staff who can direct you on how to manage the issue.