There are a lot of good reasons why it makes sense to schedule oral surgery at the end of the year. That’s when people tend to have the most time off, and it’s also the last opportunity to make use of insurance benefits before the end of the year. However, if you get treatment in December, you may very well be recovering from oral surgery over the holidays. Fortunately, it’s still possible to enjoy your time off while resting after your procedure. Here are some tips to help you do that.
Get Plenty of Rest
It’s normal to feel a little bit foggy for a few days after your procedure, so it’s best to take it easy until you feel 100%. You should avoid strenuous activity, as increased blood flow can potentially worsen swelling and inflammation in the mouth. You might also feel a little bit woozy if you’re dehydrated, or if your blood sugar gets too low. If you’re visiting family, try and relax on a couch for a few days after your surgery, and make sure you’re eating and drinking enough.
Think About How you Travel
If you’re going home for the holidays, that shouldn’t necessarily interfere with your recovery. However, some procedures may require you to refrain from flying for a few days, as the change in pressure can interfere with the healing process. If you intend to fly after your procedure, ask your dentist if that’s going to be an issue.
Pick the Right Holiday Foods
It’s going to be a little bit uncomfortable to chew during recovery. Eating certain holiday foods can cause pain in the best case or impair your ability to heal. In the days after your surgery, it’s best to stay away from gummy candies or tough meats that can be hard to chew.
Here are a few holiday foods that are great if you’re recovering from dental surgery:
- Soup
- Mashed potatoes
- Soft stuffing
- Baked yams
- Yogurt
- Eggs
- Applesauce
Getting oral surgery doesn’t have to ruin your holiday season. Just be a little careful, and you should still be able to enjoy this December to the fullest.
About Our Practice
If you aren’t the biggest fan of the dentist’s office, we at Nu Dental want to change your mind. Every member of our dental team, from our front office to our dental hygienists, is dedicated to making your appointment as stress-free as possible. We use our considerable expertise to complete every aspect of the dental implant process in our office, so we’ll be there to assist you every step of the way. If you have any questions about how best to take care of your dental implants, we can be reached at our website, or you can call our Barnegat office at (609) 879-0036.