Dealing with impacted canines can feel overwhelming, but oral surgery offers a safe and effective solution to restore your dental health. Whether you’re already scheduled for surgery or simply exploring your options, understanding the recovery process is key to feeling confident and prepared for what’s ahead. With the proper aftercare and guidance, your recovery can be smooth and stress-free, getting you back to looking and feeling your best.
Recovering from oral surgery doesn’t have to be difficult. With years of experience serving Green River families, we’ve seen how preparation and personalized aftercare can make all the difference. At Birch Family Dental, we focus on guiding you through every step of the healing process, helping you feel informed, supported, and on your way to a healthier smile.
What Are Impacted Canines and How Are They Treated?
While most people think of wisdom teeth when you mention impacted teeth, your other teeth can also become impacted. Your canines are the four sharp, pointed teeth located toward the front of your mouth on the top and bottom arches. Your upper canines are the second most likely teeth to become impacted behind wisdom teeth. When these teeth get stuck or have trouble breaking through the gumline, they need to be treated. Most treatment options require oral surgery to expose the tooth and correct the cause of the impaction.
Impacted canines are a common dental concern, but with proper diagnosis and early treatment, they can be effectively addressed to protect your smile and oral health. If you are experiencing pain, discomfort, or inflammation while your permanent teeth grow in, you might be suffering from impaction and should contact your dentist for an oral exam to discuss your symptoms and create a treatment plan tailored to your dental needs.
What to Expect While Recovering From Impacted Canine Surgery
In the aftermath of your impacted canine surgery, it is essential that you follow all post-operative instructions given to you by your oral surgeon to ensure your tooth heals successfully and you don’t experience any complications. While each patient will receive instructions unique to their surgery and aftercare needs, there are some standard procedures you should expect to follow to promote healing.
Immediate Aftermath
As your local anesthesia starts to wear off, you will likely experience some pain and discomfort. Follow any pain medication instructions your dentist provides or take an over-the-counter pain reliever to help manage these symptoms. You will also have a gauze pad covering your incision site, and you should maintain light pressure on the gauze to help stop bleeding. Try not to touch the wound or rinse your mouth in the first 24 hours, as this can dislodge the blood clot forming and cause a dry socket.
Bleeding
It is not uncommon for your incision site to bleed throughout the first 24 hours of recovery. Keep a gauze pack covering the wound for 30 minutes and replace it with a new gauze pack if bleeding continues. It may require multiple 30-minute sessions before your bleeding stops.
Swelling
Swelling is normal after oral surgery and can be managed by icing the area. For the first 48 hours after your surgery, place an ice pack on the side of your face over the surgical site for 20 minutes on and 10 minutes off to help reduce swelling and inflammation.
Diet
For the first 48 hours after surgery, your diet should consist mainly of soft foods. Chewing on the side of the mouth away from the incision is also recommended. Make sure to drink plenty of liquids to stay hydrated as your body recovers. However, it is important not to use a straw, as this can cause the blood clot to become dislodged and hinder healing.
Activity
Avoid strenuous activity and exercise for three to four days after oral surgery. Strenuous activity can raise your blood pressure, causing your blood clot to dislodge. You may need to ease back into your normal exercise routine as your food intake will likely be reduced due to your surgery.
Oral Hygiene
You should still brush your teeth following your oral surgery, being careful around the surgical site. After the first 24 hours, you can use a saltwater rinse to help keep the mouth clean of food particles and promote healing. These rinses should be done two to three times a day, especially after eating.
Following these guidelines and any additional procedures given by your dentist can set you up for success in your healing journey. If you have any questions about your recovery or if something doesn’t feel right, contact your dentist immediately for guidance.
How Birch Family Dental Can Support You After Oral Surgery
At Birch Family Dental, we understand that oral surgery can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to make your recovery as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our team is committed to providing personalized care, from thorough pre-operative instructions to compassionate post-surgical support tailored to your needs. We leverage advanced technology and a caring approach to ensure your comfort and confidence every step of the way.
Whether you need guidance with post-operative care, assistance managing discomfort, or answers to any questions about your recovery, we’re here to help. With years of experience serving the Green River community, we prioritize your health, safety, and peace of mind. Call us at (307) 875-3658 or reach out via our contact form to schedule an appointment or discuss your post-surgical care today.
