There’s never a perfect time to have oral surgery, but if your procedure falls around the holidays, you can easily lose your festive spirit. You know your mouth is going to hurt, so you’ll have to watch what you eat. That doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of the season. Here’s how you can enjoy every minute of the holidays while healing from oral surgery.
Healing During the Holidays
The holidays are a popular time for people to schedule their oral surgeries because they’ll be off work for a few days. Although it accommodates your vacation time, you might worry it will compromise your plans. Whether you had a tooth extraction, dental implant surgery, or another procedure, you can still travel, participate in family activities, and indulge in many foods by making a few alterations.
Expect it to take at least 24 hours for the effects of any medications used during the surgery to dissipate, so you’ll feel a little groggy. You won’t want to do any driving or traveling. You’ll want to limit your activity for the first couple of days. Any strenuous activity can increase blood flow, causing pain and swelling. You won’t want to head to the gym or airport until your mind is clear. You can get back to feeling yourself by staying hydrated.
Traveling
Most people can fly within a few days of their oral surgery; however, there are situations when a surgeon may set travel restrictions for a little longer. You should be fine to travel by car or train within a couple of days. Although bruising and swelling may not have subsided, you can manage them using a cold compress.
Eating
It will take a few days for any discomfort to subside, which means it might be difficult to chew. Unfortunately, you won’t be eating prime rib for dinner. Your oral surgeon recommends eating soft foods that require little chewing and are easy to digest. You’ll also want to skip anything spicy or acidic, which can cause discomfort. Although there will be a few restrictions, you can still enjoy many of your favorite seasonal dishes, like mashed potatoes, baked yams, and stuffing.
Exercising
Everyone heals at a different rate. Therefore, activity limitations vary from person to person. If you must sit on the sidelines, there are still plenty of ways to spend time with your family, like puzzles and board games. Don’t worry, you’ll be back on your feet in no time.
Oral surgery doesn’t have to ruin the holidays. You can use the time to invest in your smile while still creating lasting memories with your loved ones.
About Dr. Jeff Lee
Dr. Lee earned his dental degree at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry before continuing his training in oral and maxillofacial surgery. He specializes in advanced procedures, like surgical tooth extractions, bone grafting, and dental implant placement. If you need oral surgery during the holidays, contact our office today to schedule your consultation.