ORAL SURGERY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If you have just had oral surgery or are preparing to have oral surgery mobile alabama, you may have some questions about what to expect. Here is a list of answers to frequently asked oral surgery questions.

What is an oral surgeon?

An oral surgeon, also known as a Maxillofacial Surgeon, is a dental specialist who attended 4-8 more years of education than a traditional dentist. Oral surgeons specialize in the treatment of disease problems related to jaws, mouth, teeth, and face. Oral surgeons are able to perform surgeries that range from tooth extraction to reconstructive surgery. Oral surgeons are also able to handle tumor removal and oral cancer treatment.

What is the recovery time for oral surgery?

Recovery time for oral surgery varies depending on the procedure. Simple tooth extractions have a shorter recovery time than facial reconstruction surgery. Most procedures have a recovery time of 7-10 days. If your recovery is going to be longer, your dentist will let you know. Most symptoms subside within the first 48 hours after surgery.

How long should I keep the gauze in?

You will not be released from the surgeon until the bleeding is under control. You will leave with gauze on the surgery site. You should keep pressure on the gauze for at least an hour after leaving. If this needs to be longer, your surgeon will let you know.

What should I do if the gauze is stuck?

It is normal for the gauze to dry onto the surgery site. If your gauze is stuck, do not pull it off. Pulling it off runs the risk of causing the surgery site to bleed. Simply sip a little water and the gauze will become looser.

How do I treat the pain?

Your surgeon will have provided you with a pain management plan before leaving. Make sure to follow all of the medication guidelines. It is recommended that you take the pain medication as soon as possible. This may require you to eat a little something to avoid nausea. Take the pain medication as prescribed for the first 48 hours. After that, you should only take it as needed.

What should I do if the bleeding or swelling increases?

Bleeding and swelling should subside in the first few days after surgery. If you notice bleeding or additional swelling after that, contact your surgeon right away.

Is my bad breath following surgery because of an infection?

Bad breath after surgery is common and does not mean that you have an infection. Your oral hygiene regiment will be thrown off by the surgery and this is the most common cause of bad breath.

How do I clean my mouth following surgery?

You should avoid vigorous brushing and rinsing for the first 24 hours following surgery. This can irritate the surgery site. Once you begin cleaning your mouth, make sure to be gentle around the surgery site. You can also use a salt water or saline solution to rinse with to help with the healing process.

These are just a few of the many oral surgery questions that you may have. If you have questions that are not answered here, make sure to contact your surgeon.

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