Oral surgery refers to a number of dental procedures that involve the cutting or removal of tissue from the patient's mouth. There are a number of dental conditions that may create the need for oral surgery including problematic wisdom teeth, missing teeth and a number of jaw-related problems.

Oral surgery can have negative side effects on the patient. It is therefore important for a patient who has had an oral surgery to know how to take care of their teeth and deal with the negative side effects of the procedure. Discussed below are a few tips on the same.

Post-Surgery Pain

It is normal for patients to experience a bit of pain as the anaesthetic used during surgery begins to wear off. In a large number of cases, patients experience this pain for up to two days after surgery. During this time, it is important for the patient to take the prescribed medication in strict accordance with the instructions given by an oral surgeon. This should help reduce post-surgery pain. Patients should avoid the temptation to use painkillers sold over the counter in a bid to bring down the pain.

It is also important for patients experiencing post-surgery pain to get adequate rest. Running up and down is bound to increase the patient's level of pain and discomfort.

Patients who experience severe pain for more than two days after the surgery should contact the dentist or oral surgeon for follow-up.

Soreness Around The Jaw

Oral surgery can also leave patients with a feeling of soreness around the jaw, often making it difficult for patients to open their mouth. This is common with patients whose surgical procedure was as a result of jaw related complications. The jaw may become sore and stiff after surgery because patients have to hold their mouths open for the duration of surgery.

The degree of soreness can be reduced by gently massaging the jaw using a clean, warm, and moist cloth. Affected patients should eat food items that are easily chewed such as bananas, pasta, and eggs. Patients should also drink a lot of milk, fresh juice, and similar drinks.

Severe soreness that lasts for more than a week after surgery should prompt patients to go back to the dentist or surgeon.

It is a good idea for patients who have had surgery to keep in touch with the dentist or surgeon until they're fully recovered.

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