7 Natural Remedies for Oral Surgery Pain

In certain instances, oral surgery may be necessary to maintain optimal oral health and function. However, when it comes to post-operative healing, it can be quite uncomfortable. Fortunately, they are remedies to minimize your discomfort and promote a speedy recovery. In this article, let's discuss the remedies for oral surgery pain and how long it will take to recover.

Natural Remedies to Ease Oral Surgery Pain

• Ice packs or cold compress

For the next 24 hours after surgery, applying a cold compress or ice packs on your face against the operated area for about 15 minutes can help numb your nerves and minimize pain and swelling.

• Heat therapy

A warm towel or cloth against the painful area can also help decrease pain and promote faster healing.

• Salt water rinses

Rinsing your mouth with salt water can help kill bacteria, reduce plaque build-up in the mouth, and soothe the pain. To make a saltwater rinse, mix a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Swish the solution around the mouth for about 30 seconds and then spit. You can use it several times daily to keep your mouth clean, especially after eating.

• Herbal tea

Certain herbal teas like chamomile and peppermint tea have a calming effect on the body and can help reduce pain and inflammation.

• Honey

A 2014 study found that honey dressings for dry sockets significantly reduced edema, pain, and inflammation. Applying honey to the affected areas also prevents infections.

• Aloe vera

Aloe Vera has anti-inflammatory properties and is highly effective for soothing pain and reducing swelling. Apply an aloe Vera gel to the surgical site to reduce pain and inflammation and promote healing.

• Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil has natural antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties that can help minimize pain and swelling after surgery.

How Long Does It Take To Heal From Oral Surgery?

Generally, how long it will take to heal from oral surgery will depend on your general health, your type of surgery, and compliance with aftercare instructions. On average, recovering from oral surgery takes about 1 - 2 weeks. Following your dentist's or surgeon's aftercare instructions will help you recover faster and prevent complications. Visit our oral surgeon near you if you experience any post-surgery complications.

What Helps You Heal Faster After Oral Surgery?

Below are several things you can do to facilitate speedy recovery after oral surgery:

• Follow post-operative aftercare instructions. Compliance with your dentist’s instructions is the only guarantee for faster healing and recovery.
• Rest adequately. It's crucial to yourself time to rest after oral surgery. For the next few days, completely avoid strenuous activities like heavy lifting or exercises, as they can cause more bleeding, swelling, or pain in the surgical site. Ensure you get plenty of sleep and keep your head elevated.
• Take a healthy but soft diet. Since the surgical area will be sore or sensitive for the next few days, avoid hard, spicy, acidic, and crunchy foods, as they can disturb the area and worsen your symptoms. Instead, eat soft and healthy foods like eggs, beans, minced meat, and soft vegetables and fruits.
• Take medication as prescribed. Your dentist can give you medication to manage pain and swelling and prevent infections at the surgical site. Ensure you take all the medications as directed.
• Stay hydrated. Sipping water regularly will help wash away bacteria and debris from the mouth and promote faster healing. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water.
• Practice good oral hygiene. Follow your dentist's directions about when you can resume brushing and flossing after surgery. Good oral hygiene will keep your mouth clean and prevent infections. You can use saltwater rinses to keep the area clean.
• Avoid tobacco and alcohol. Smoking and drinking alcohol before and after the surgery can slow healing and cause a dry mouth, encouraging infections in the surgical site. You should avoid tobacco and other similar irritants for faster healing.
• Notify your dentist immediately if you experience unusual symptoms. Contact our dentist in south Austin if you experience persistent or severe symptoms like pain, swelling, bleeding, fever, or pus around the surgical site. Also, ensure you attend all your follow-up appointments.

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Learn more about oral surgery treatment in South Austin

For more information about oral surgery aftercare and recovery, contact Peak Dental - South Austin to make your appointment today.