It’s Best to Know What to Expect after Oral Surgery

People undergoing oral surgery for the first time often don't know what exactly to expect during the recovery process, and could end up panicking or suffering paranoia due to the unfamiliar experience. However, what you should know is that many of these seemingly-strange effects are in fact normal, and can be alleviated by following some simple steps.

Slight bleeding after a periodontal procedure is normal. In fact you can expect it to persist up to 24 hours following the surgery. Buy a surgical gauze (or you could ask your dental surgeon for some) and bite down on it using firm pressure for about thirty minutes to one hour when profuse bleeding ensues.

Swelling is also pretty common in many oral or gum surgery procedures. Have an ice pack handy in the critical first 24 hours after the surgery so you can have something to help relieve the side of your face where the swelling is most apparent. Ordinarily, the swelling should be gone after 7 to 10 days.

Certain types of periodontal surgery procedures may result in varying levels of pain to course through your face and head in the first few post-operative days. Speak with your dentist beforehand about effective pain medications he can prescribe, making sure that you take it only according to his directions.

Avoid most dental hygiene practices that involve putting pressure on your gums and teeth for the first 24 hours (even vigorous rinsing and spitting is discouraged). In the following days however, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to take care of your chompers; but remain gentle when brushing around the surgery site.

Your Initial Consultation with an Oral Surgeon

Regular dental checkups are essential. It is important to visit your dentist every three to six months to identify any problems you might not see or feel. If your dentist does see a major problem, he may refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for procedures or treatments like dental implants, jaw surgery, or wisdom teeth extraction. When this happens, know that your initial consultation with the surgeon will be critical to the success of your surgical procedure.

The initial consultation is your chance to learn about the details of the procedure so that you'll be informed and in control every step of the way. It will also be an opportunity for the surgeon to evaluate your condition and identify the safest and most effective approach to treatment. To assess risks and complications that may arise from the procedure, expect the surgeon to ask about your current state of health, any medications you are taking, details about your dental condition, and any allergies you may have.

The surgeon may also obtain an X-ray or CT scan of your mouth and teeth. After his evaluation, you will learn how the procedure will be performed, what your anesthesia options are, and what the possible results of the surgery will be. If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask them. This is the only way you'll feel comfortable and confident about the procedure.

Oral Surgery May Resolve Obstructive Sleep Apnea Condition

Sleep apnea, a disorder that plagues millions of Americans that is usually dismissed as nothing more than a nuisance, should be taken less lightly because it has real and significant consequences. The condition obstructs an individual from normal breathing, preventing him from inhaling and exhaling breath for a period of 10 seconds or longer. In a regular sleep, a person suffering from the condition may experience this for hundreds of times.

Several signs of sleep apnea include loud snoring, brief pauses in breathing, and gasping. As the breathing process is obstructed, oxygen levels in the blood drop and the person is interrupted from his sleep to resume breathing. Not getting a good night's sleep alone poses several problems to a person's well being which includes getting morning headaches, sleepiness in the morning, irritability, memory and learning problems, and poor concentration.

People who suffer from this problem should consult their physicians. Sometimes, they are advised to wear a CPAP mask. More serious cases, however, may require laser-assisted oral surgery. Oral surgeons will perform the procedure if an analysis of a person's x-ray reveals that the level of obstruction posed by a patient's facial feature may require clearing.

Sometimes, it is the shape and position of jawbones that needs correction. This is a more complex case that requires general anesthesia and may require at least 2 full days of hospital rest.