Heal from Oral Surgery with Natural Remedies
Recover Faster from Operations on the Mouth and Jaw
Sep 23, 2009
Healing after oral surgery depends upon reducing swelling, bruising, and bleeding and promoting the formation of protective blood clots. Vitamin-rich tissues with healthy circulation will heal rapidly; here's how to achieve good results.
Start Before Surgery
Smoking will not be allowed after surgery, cutting down ahead of time will make this transition easier. A good vitamin regimen should be started in the week or two prior to surgery:
- B complex with 100 mg of each vitamin, once a day
- Vitamin C with bioflavanoids, 1000 mg twice a day
- Magnesium, 400 mg at bedtime
- Zinc 50 mg once a day, liquid or powdered in capsules (tablets are poorly absorbed)
Natural dietary sources of vitamins are more easily absorbed. Eat a diet of whole foods including plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains such as brown rice and quinoa, and high quality protein sources such as tofu, walnuts and wild-caught cold water fish (salmon and tuna), which will also provide Omega-3 fatty acids. Drink plenty of clear water and avoid sugary foods, fried foods, junk foods, and highly processed foods that inhibit immune response (Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Phyllis Balch, 2004).
Reduce the Effects of Trauma
Homeopathic Arnica is a remedy for bruising and trauma. The system of homeopathy uses highly dilute substances to treat effects that would be caused by similar concentrated substances. Homeopathic remedies should be dissolved under the tongue. Avoid touching the tablets with fingers.
Curcumin is a spice with anti-inflammatory properties.
- Homeopathic Arnica, 4 tablets every 4 hours the first day.
- Curcumin 600 mg, one capsule every 8 hours
Apply ice packs at intervals of 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off while awake following surgery. Do not bend over or exercise for at least 24 hours. Keep the head elevated on pillows or a wedge when lying down, a reclining chair works well for resting. Take pain medications early and on schedule; it takes less medication to prevent severe pain than it does to bring it under control.
Bleeding Happens
Blood mixed with saliva looks like more blood than it is. Moisten gauze the dentist provided and bite or press down for at least 30 minutes. If bleeding does not subside apply a cooled teabag to the site and resume pressure. Tannic acid in tea constricts blood vessels and slows bleeding. Call the dentist if bleeding is worse after two hours.
Protect clot formation. Do not rinse or brush the first day. For the next several days avoid spitting forcefully, smoking, sucking on straws, or any movement that creates negative pressure and might dislodge blood clots. On the second day begin rinsing with saltwater (1 teaspoon in a cup of warm water) every six hours. Saltwater soothes and reduces bacteria.
What to Expect The First Week
The worst swelling will be on the third or fourth day after surgery. It will be difficult to chew and the mouth should be stretched wide open gently at least three times a day to prevent stiffness. Eat a nutritious soft diet, make sure that food is not too hot. Do not drink alcohol.
Gum tissue heals in three to four weeks. Up to six months may be needed for bone to heal completely. Shards and slivers of bone may be palpable, but in most cases they will come out by themselves and do not require treatment. Some pain and tenderness is normal. See a dentist if pain becomes more severe after two days.
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