What to Have in the House Before Oral Surgery is Performed
Posted on 11/1/2024 by Dallas Oral Surgery Associates - Dallas |
 Having oral surgery can be a stressful experience. But by preparing your home in advance, you can make the recovery process smoother and more comfortable. Here are some essential items to have on hand before your surgery:
Oral Care Essentials
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Soft toothbrush: Brushing your teeth will be difficult after surgery, so a soft-bristled toothbrush will be gentler on your gums and mouth. |
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Antibacterial mouthwash: This will help keep your mouth clean and free of infection. |
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Dental floss or water flosser: Food can easily get stuck in the surgical site, so flossing or using a water flosser is essential for keeping your mouth clean. |
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Lip balm: Your lips may be dry and cracked after surgery, so having lip balm on hand will help keep them moisturized. |
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Saline solution: This can be used to rinse your mouth and keep it clean. |
Pain Management
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Over-the-counter pain relievers: Your doctor will likely prescribe pain medication, but it's a good idea to have some over-the-counter pain relievers on hand for breakthrough pain. |
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Ice pack: An ice pack can help reduce swelling and pain. |
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Heating pad: A heating pad can be used to soothe muscle aches and stiffness. |
Food and Drink
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Soft foods: You won't be able to eat solid foods for a few days after surgery, so stock up on soft foods like applesauce, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soup. |
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Plenty of fluids: It's important to stay hydrated after surgery, so make sure you have plenty of water, juice, or sports drinks on hand. |
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Straws: You may have difficulty drinking from a cup after surgery, so having straws on hand will make it easier to stay hydrated. |
Other Essentials
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Pillows: You'll likely be sleeping with your head elevated after surgery, so having extra pillows on hand will be helpful. |
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Blanket: You may feel chilly after surgery, so having a blanket on hand will help you stay warm. |
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Entertainment: You'll likely be spending a lot of time resting after surgery, so having some books, movies, or TV shows on hand will help you pass the time. |
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Phone charger: You'll want to have your phone charged in case you need to contact your doctor or someone else. |
Preparing Your Home
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Remove any tripping hazards: After surgery, you may be unsteady on your feet, so it's important to remove any rugs, wires, or other tripping hazards from your home. |
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Make your bed comfortable: You'll be spending a lot of time in bed after surgery, so make sure your bed is comfortable and has plenty of pillows. |
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Stock up on groceries: You won't feel like going to the grocery store after surgery, so stock up on groceries beforehand. |
By taking these steps to prepare your home before your oral surgery, you can make the recovery process much easier and more comfortable.
Additional Tips
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Talk to your doctor about what to expect after surgery. They can give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself and what to watch for. |
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Don't hesitate to call your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. They are there to help you through the recovery process. |
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Be patient with yourself. It takes time to heal from oral surgery. Don't expect to feel like your old self right away. |
Restorative Dentistry
Oral surgery is often a part of restorative dentistry, which aims to restore the function and appearance of damaged or missing teeth. If you're considering oral surgery, be sure to talk to your dentist about your options and whether oral surgery is right for you.
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