5 Ways to Reduce Swelling After Oral Surgery

May 13, 2016

oral surgery houstonA certain amount of swelling is normal following your oral surgery in Houston, but you can help reduce inflammation and discomfort for an easier, more comfortable recovery overall. We here at Piney Point Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery have five tips to help you keep swelling to a minimum following your upcoming oral surgery!

#1: Ice Packs / Cold Compresses

The number one way to reduce swelling following any type of surgery or trauma is to apply an ice pack or cold compress to the affected area. This type of “cold therapy” works by slowing down the amount of blood flow that rushes to the injured area, reducing inflammation and discomfort. During the first 36 hours following your oral surgery, apply cold to the outside treatment area in 10-minute intervals: 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off.

#2: Elevate the Head

You should have blocked off lots of time for rest and relaxation following your oral surgery. While you’re dozing during this vital recovery phase, keep your head elevated with an extra pillow (or two) to help further reduce swelling. Maintaining this position will aid in proper blood flow.

#3: Limit Your Activity

We know it can be hard to take a break from your busy life — attention to work, family and other obligations may feel more important than proper healing following your oral surgery. But we want to remind you there’s nothing more vital than your own health, and that’s why you should allow yourself all the time necessary to fully heal following your procedure. Undergoing physically demanding labor or exertion in the first few weeks after your oral surgery can worsen or slow the healing of bruising and swelling.

#4: Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water throughout your post-surgery recovery is important for flushing the system to keep your body healthy and reduce facial swelling. If drinking water is difficult in the first hours after your procedure, sucking on ice chips is a good way to stay hydrated.

#5: Don’t Smoke

It’s so important that you don’t smoke (or use tobacco in any form) throughout the recovery phase following your oral surgery. Tobacco dramatically slows proper healing, increasing swelling, bruising as well as damaging your oral and overall health. The habit may also increase your risk of complications following your surgery. Please wait at least a few weeks to use tobacco.

Questions? Get In Touch With Us Today!

If you’ve got questions regarding swelling or your upcoming Houston oral surgery, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us! We’re always happy to discuss your oral health to help you enjoy strong, healthy teeth, gums and jaw. Contact Piney Point OMS today!

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