Do you need a tooth extraction, or are you considering dental implants? Both of these treatments require oral surgery, which is usually the type of procedure that’s easier to schedule during breaks or long weekends. But the only breaks coming up anytime soon are Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s! Will your recovery ruin the holidays?
As long as you’re careful, you can thankfully still enjoy these seasonal festivities. Keep reading to learn what you should do.
Travel Details
If you plan on traveling by car or train, it should be safe for you to commute during your oral surgery post-op. Though you should schedule your departure wisely – if you’ll be receiving IV sedation, for example, you’ll be “out of it” for up to 24 hours after treatment.
One mode of travel that could present complications is flight. After tooth extraction or dental implant placement, your body will create a blood clot to shield the open area of your gums from bacteria, infection, and discomfort. Aircraft cabin pressure and shifting altitudes can dislodge this clot, which can be very painful! Ask your dentist when it should be safe for you to fly before buying tickets.
Family Activities
You likely won’t be completely incapacity after your oral surgery, but it’s still not a good idea to engage in strenuous activity. You could dislodge your blood clot, and the increase in blood pressure could cause more bleeding near your treatment area. Instead of playing tough reindeer games, stick to calmer things like dominos, card games, or board games.
Your Holiday Diet
The holiday tradition that could affect you the most during post-op is eating seasonal treats. Depending on how far along you are in a tooth extraction recovery, you might still be restricted to soft foods like soup and yogurt. For dental implants, the waiting period for reintroducing more solid foods can range from three to six months. Make sure to check in with your dentist about your dietary options so you don’t hurt yourself on a candy cane!
Ultimately, avoiding discomfort and oral health risks after tooth extraction or dental implant placement comes down to rest and relaxation. Your holidays might be more on the chill side than normal, but you can still have a good time as long as you plan accordingly. Use the time to take a well-deserved break before the new year, and have happy holidays with your family and friends!
About the Author
Dr. Keyvan Kar received his Certificate of Advanced Education in Prosthodontics from the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry at the University of Southern California. Basically, he’s a pro when it comes to dental implant treatment and is highly experienced with tooth extractions. If you need oral surgery this holiday season, Dr. Kar will provide expert care and make sure you’re well-informed about the recovery process. To contact his office, call 214-260-9911.