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What are the complications associated with dental treatment?

Following dental surgery, if you don’t maintain proper post-treatment care, you can encounter complications like:

• Swelling and pain: 

A little swelling is common after some dental procedures as patients are required to extend their mouths beyond normal for large time periods. An icepack massage for about 18-24 hours after dental treatment can help alleviate this swelling. 24 hours after the treatment, patients should start warm salt water gargles and hot pack massages to help recovery.

Similarly, mild pain is a common side effect of dental treatment but if the swelling lasts longer than 3 days or if the pain is too intense, then you should consult a dentist for further treatment immediately.

• Dry socket:

Dry socket, also known as alveolitis, occurs when the jaw bone is exposed for too long and gets infected, resulting in pain and delayed healing. Typically, discomfort after dental surgery only lasts for 2 to 3 days, and the incision completely heals within 7-8 days. If your incision is suddenly too painful with discharge, then it may be a sign of a dry socket. 

• Osteomyelitis:

Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone and is usually caused by bacteria. It usually occurs in the lower jaw and develops with a fever, tenderness and swelling in the affected area, and mild to moderate pain. 

• Jaw osteonecrosis:

Osteonecrosis is the death of bone tissue. Jaw osteonecrosis occurs when the jawbone is exposed through the gum tissue and doesn’t get adequate treatment in time. It is usually signified by pain, loosening of teeth, and pus discharge. In addition to dental surgery, it can even occur in response to certain medications like radiation therapy, bisphosphonates, etc.

• Bleeding:

A little bleeding after dental surgery is common and expected, however, hemorrhage is a complication and needs to be resolved immediately. Usually, bleeding after a dental surgery stops within an hour so after applying consistent pressure to it through gauze. Some people may have dental sutures, which also help relieve bleeding faster. However, if the bleeding doesn’t stop within 2-3 hours, you should check in with your dentist for further treatment.

Book an appointment with expert and experienced dentists in Delhi for successful and advanced dental surgeries, like dental implant surgery, without any postoperative complications.

How can I avoid complications and improve recovery after dental surgery?

Dental surgery is performed for a variety of oral problems such as injury, defects, and diseases of the teeth, gums, jawbone, and their related joints. Recovery usually takes about 1-2 weeks, but you can speed up your recovery and avoid postoperative complications by following a few simple tips:

• Protect the surgical area: Do not irritate the surgical field during the first couple of days. Make sure you follow the proper guidelines provided by your dentist. Do not spit for at least a day after the surgery and limit talking, eating, and drinking during this period as well. Do not disturb the gauze pack/dressing applied to your wound before it is recommended.
• Rest well: While bed rest is not necessary after dental surgery, you should still take it easy. Most patients can resume all their daily activities within 24 hours of the treatment, but you should still consult your dentist before performing any strenuous activity within a week of the surgery.
• Eat soft or a semi-liquid diet: While not absolutely necessary, a soft diet is often recommended after dental surgery as it helps avoid irritating the surgical field. Similarly, patients are recommended to avoid hard, hot, or chewy foods. Most patients are recommended to eat soft-serve ice cream on the day of the surgery after removing the gauze as it soothes the incision and promotes recovery.
• Stay hydrated: Drink a lot of fluids, such as water, Gatorade, juices, etc. but you should avoid drinking carbonated, caffeinated, or hot beverages during recovery. You should also avoid using a straw during the first 24 hours as the sucking motion can irritate the wound or open the incision.
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco products: Tobacco is notorious for delaying recovery from oral surgery, and alcohol interferes with the body’s immunity and healing capacity. Thus, you should avoid both for at least a week after the surgery. If fact, if you can, you should completely quit tobacco as it can lead to other complications like dry socket, non-healing sores, etc.
• Heat and cold massage: Both hot and cold massage are important after dental surgery but should be performed at the appropriate time. For the first 24-48 hours after surgery, you should use a cold compress to minimize swelling, bruising, and discomfort. However, after that, you should get a hot massage to promote healing and muscle recovery. You should also perform warm saltwater rinses during this period.
• Take appropriate medication: Generally, most patients are only prescribed over-the-counter pain and antibiotic medications after the surgery, however, they are absolutely necessary and should be taken on time as recommended to avoid any complications.
• Maintain good oral hygiene: Poor oral hygiene can lead to infection in the surgical area and failure of the treatment. Use a soft-bristled manual toothbrush and gently brush around the surgical site but do not brush over it at least until the incision has closed. Avoid rinsing your mouth during the first 24 hours, but after that, make sure you are properly rinsing your mouth after every meal for at least a week.

If you have any dental issues such as missing or misaligned teeth, gum pains, etc., book an appointment with expert dentists in Delhi at Pristyn Care for advanced treatment immediately. You can book an appointment by leaving your details on the ‘Book an appointment’ form or you can simply call us on the given number.