Minor oral surgeries are usually carried out to heal problems like swelling, pain and bleeding in the gums. There is nothing to worry as these surgeries are nothing major. But, it is important that you take good care of this area to avoid further trouble.
After the numbness of the affected area subsides, you would experience pain. The pain is most severe in the first 24-48 hours. You would also feel a slight discomfort or soreness on the sight of surgery, this lasts for about two to three days. Do not move about so easily; take due rest. You must strictly follow your doctor's advice and prescription. Do not consume alcohol when you're taking painkillers. Remember that if you have been prescribed narcotic medicines, do not drive.
The sight of the surgery will have a gauze pad inserted in it to control bleeding. Be sure that you do not remove this pad. Hold it firm with the jaw. Slight bleeding for two to three hours is normal. You need not get worried by the blood flow from your mouth as this is not the blood alone; it is mixed with saliva. If the bleeding does not stop after a few hours, call the dentist immediately. Avoid alcohol and other harmful substances like the tobacco, cigarettes and the like for at least 24 hours from the surgery. Avoid hot drinks too! Do not chew on the gauze as it would create a bigger wound. You must rinse your mouth with saline water but only after 24 hours of surgery. Do not strain yourself and rest for at least two days to slow down the blood circulation, to stop bleeding.
A minor swelling is another common sign of oral surgery. It appears in about 24 hours of surgery and may last for three to five days. The reduction in swelling will result in a bruise which might stay for ten days or so. To reduce the swelling, cold compression is the best option, wrap the ice cubes in a piece of cloth and apply on the sight of surgery. You could continue this treatment for 24 hours with short breaks in between. After 24 hours, put something warm on the affected area. The warmth will increase the blood flow and will therefore reduce the swelling. Be cautious of the fact that heat if applied in the initial 24 hours aggravates the swelling.
If you experience some soreness in the jaw after 2-3 days, massage it with a warm cloth and eat food which is easy to chew.
However, if the conditions persist and grow severe, you must consult the concerned dentist.
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