Professional advice?
Hello!
So on Wednesday 5/13 I had oral surgery to have 5 teeth extracted. (3 on the top right: 1 wisdom tooth and the two molars next to it, and 2 on the bottom left: wisdom tooth and the molar after the one next to the wisdom tooth)
I'm exactly 72 hrs post op (Saturday 5/16) now and so far, so good. I have some swelling and some jaw pain but nothing unbearable at all. The surgeon prescribed me some pain meds with ibuprofen and antibiotics, so the pain is very minimal and I feel like it's mostly pain with the swelling/healing.
However my dentist barely did a post op. No instructions, no check in, literally was sedated and then next thing I know, I was being rolled out in a wheelchair to my boyfriend waiting at the car.
So I've mostly been relying on Google because even calling them for questions, they were rushing me to be off the phone.
I've never had oral surgery or this many extractions done at once so I'm nervous.
I did (do?) smoke (I'm actually using this to quit lol so officially 4 days with no cigarettes so far and just using nicotine patches) but don't intend on trying to smoke ever again so that won't be an issue of temptation. The fear is greater than the craving tbh.
Now I can't really see my extraction sites bc of the location (especially the ones on the top.) so far I do feel fine, I'm assuming thanks to the mix of oxycodone and ibuprofen they prescribed but I'm also just a very anxious and nervous person and am terrified of infection and especially getting D S.. I just want some advice from a professional on if I'm doing things right or should do anything different.
So far I've only eaten broths/soups, yogurt, ensure shakes (no straws I know!) and mashed potatoes. I've drank plenty of water and also some Gatorade in between.
I get mixed things on Google when it comes to this many extractions. Some say to mouthwash vigorously (I have not due to the fear of also reading that can dislodge a blood clot) and some say to just brush the teeth not near the extraction site without toothpaste and obviously no spitting--which is exactly what I've done so far.
Obviously my #1 concern is not getting D.S (I've never had it but I've heard enough horror stories to not want to experience it ever) so I've been extra careful. No straws, smoking, spitting. Coughing and sneezing with my mouth open if needed, etc. But I'm mostly confused on the hygiene part. I can't stand not brushing my teeth etc but am terrified to do more than what I've been doing at least til day 5-7?(That's when I read that D.S risks is basically none ) But I don't want to mess up the healing process by not doing the right thing in regards to hygiene in fear of that too! *Also want to note I did buy some Biotene dry mouth moisturizing spray but haven't used it yet, I was wondering if it would help with the lack of brushing/mouth washing for now or if I shouldn't use it at all?.
Just looking for some advice and some potential accurate post op instructions even though I'm already on day 3. I wish my surgeon would have taken the time for these questions and instructions but unfortunately, as great and quick as it went, he seriously lacked on that bit. So here I am! Lol
So cleaning/hygiene advice and instructions and some things to maybe put my mind at ease on the D.S risks would be greatly appreciated🩷