In an ideal world, you would always be able to plan when you get oral surgery, but of course, things don’t work like this all the time. Many patients end up needing unexpected extractions because of a severe cavity or dental accident. Others, however, choose to begin a treatment like dental implants before their insurance benefits reset at the beginning of the year. While the timing is less than perfect, it’s still possible for people recovering from oral surgery to fully enjoy the holidays and not have to miss out—just a few extra steps and considerations can make all the difference.
Travel Timing
No matter what type of oral surgery someone gets, the recommendation is usually that they take a day or two to just relax so their body can recover and begin the healing process on the right foot. That means you shouldn’t plan on getting your treatment and immediately traveling the next day. Flying can potentially make bleeding worse, and dealing with oral pain in a bumpy car isn’t exactly fun (nor is it safe to drive if you’re on pain medication). Talk to your dentist about when would be a good time to travel following your procedure. In most cases, you’ll only need to wait a day or so before hitting the road.
Prioritize Sleep
The holiday season gets very busy very quickly, leading to late nights followed by early mornings. Your body does its best healing while you are asleep, so no matter how many parties or events you have planned, it’s wise to try to sleep at least seven to nine hours each night. This will help your recovery fly by faster than almost anything else!
Food Choices
When you sit down for a holiday meal (and the seconds and thirds that follow), be sure to avoid chewing in the part of your mouth where the surgery was performed. This might seem obvious, but while you’re talking, catching up, and eyeing your next slice of pie, this can be easy to forget.
It’s also best to stick to mostly soft foods like soup, mashed potatoes, stuffing, yams, cranberry sauce, and all manner of casseroles. This will reduce how much chewing you’re doing and be a bit gentler on your sensitive gums.
Getting oral surgery during the holidays can make a complicated time even more so, but it’s probably the best decision for your oral health, plus it will likely help you save money on the procedure! By just keeping these few things in mind, you can do right by your smile and still enjoy yourself at every opportunity.
About the Practice
Beck Dental Care is led by a team of three dentists who are ready to provide excellent dentistry tailored to your needs. They strive to provide a welcoming environment to keep you relaxed and provide a comfortable experience regardless of which treatment you might need. If you believe you need oral surgery or have been told it’s time to have a tooth removed, call (931) 388-8452 or schedule an appointment online so we can take care of you before the season gets really busy!