Dental surgery can be a daunting experience, but proper post-operative care is essential for a successful recovery. One of the most important steps in the healing process is using a saltwater rinse to reduce swelling and pain. Saltwater rinses are an effective way to keep the surgical site clean and free of bacteria and food particles, while also helping to freshen your breath. At Wilmington Oral Surgery, we recommend rinsing gently with warm salt water (mix half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of water) several times a day after every meal and snack.
The water will help remove bits of food from the surgical site, which is important for proper healing. It's also important to wait at least 24 hours before rinsing, as this will give your mouth time to begin the healing process. Saltwater rinses can help reduce swelling and alleviate discomfort, while also promoting faster recovery from tooth extraction. At Williams, Daily & Frazier Dental, we offer a variety of dental services, including dental implants, Invisalign teeth straightening, in-office and home teeth whitening options, and Oral-B electric toothbrushes.
After oral surgery, we generally recommend that patients start rinsing with salt water 24 hours after surgery. The local anesthetic given during surgery usually lasts 3 hours, so it's important to take steps to control pain once the effect of the anesthesia wears off. Our team of dentists, assistants, hygienists and administrators are committed to providing our patients with the best possible care. We understand that dental surgery can be a stressful experience, but we are here to help you through every step of the process.
Using a saltwater rinse is an important part of post-operative care that can help reduce swelling and pain after dental surgery.