My surgery is over – Now what?
A glimpse into the healing process
Piedra Dental Group is pleased to conveniently provide so many services under one roof in Cooper City, Florida. Our services include advanced oral surgery. Drs. Alejandro Piedra and Robert Weishoff have the expertise to perform everything from bone grafting and surgical implants placement to the removal or extractions of teeth. We are also pleased to provide insights into what to expect after such oral surgery treatments.
How will my mouth heal following treatment?
Healing is generally categorized as four stages:
- Immediate post-surgery
- Inflammatory
- Proliferation
- Maturation
The first stage involves using gauze to support blood clot formation at the surgical site. During the second stage, your body’s immune system sends white blood cells to the area to remove debris and fight bacteria and infection. The third phase is characterized by the formation of new tissues and blood vessels and gradual wound healing. The fourth and final maturation stage occurs as the newly formed tissue is strengthened. Collagen protein aligns, and scar tissue rebuilds, becoming less noticeable.
How will my mouth look and feel as it heals?
Immediately after oral surgery, you may need gauze to staunch the bleeding. During the inflammatory stage, you may notice swelling, tenderness, and red discoloration around the surgical site. During the proliferation stage, the protective tissue that forms may appear granular and can be white, pink, or red. These are good signs that the site is healing normally.
What can I do to support healing?
We will provide you with clear and detailed instructions specific to your situation and course of treatment/healing. You can generally control the early side effects mentioned above by taking prescription or OTC medications as advised by Drs. Piedra or Weishoff. An ice pack or cold compress can help with the swelling and numb the area for pain relief. However, it is important to use cooling for short periods for the first one to three days. Avoid any foods and habits that could irritate the sight, increase your risk of complications, and interfere with healing. This means incorporating soft, gentle foods and staying away from anything spicy, crunchy, chewy, or hard. Refrain from smoking, vaping, alcohol, vigorous rinsing, and the use of straws that could dislodge the developing blood clot. Take it easy. This means no intense exercise, lifting, and physical activity at first.
How long does it take to heal?
There are so many factors that affect the healing journey. They include your overall health, the nature and complexity of the surgery, and how well you adhere to the instructions provided by the team at Piedra Dental Group. Remember, we are here for you in Cooper City, FL, at all times throughout this journey. If you have any questions about how you are healing and/or are concerned about things like excessive bleeding and worsening pain post-surgery, contact us right away at (954) 329-0673.
