During any surgical procedure, it is crucial that the doctor performing the procedure is aware of all the medications you are taking. It is especially critical with blood thinners. Blood-thinning medications do more than just prevent heart attacks, strokes, and other serious issues. They also help to regulate the body and reduce the risk of bleeding; if you take blood thinners, your 60467 oral surgeon will need to take extra precautions.

A description of how blood thinners work

Generally speaking, blood thinners are categorized into two categories: The first one works to prevent blood clotting. This category includes medications such as aspirin and Plavix. Anticoagulants are the second category of blood thinners. Anticoagulants work by preventing your blood from clotting. The medications can help prevent life-threatening conditions such as strokes, heart attacks, and pulmonary embolisms, which are all caused by blood clots. Coumadin and Warfarin are both examples of anticoagulants. 

Here are a few things our oral surgeon should know.

Be sure to tell us about any medications you are taking during your oral surgery consultation. We need your complete medical history to ensure your safety and proper treatment. Our oral surgeon may ask why you are taking each medication so we can determine if you have any side effects or other concerns that could affect your oral surgery.

What to do before surgery

Consult your doctor before stopping medication. Your doctor might suggest blood tests based on your medical history. Communicating with your primary care provider is crucial. Consult with your doctor about drug interactions if you need to take additional medications during your treatment. 

Oral Bleeding: How to Reduce It

Oral surgery can result in bleeding, but the results will vary from patient to patient. Applying firm pressure for up to 30 minutes is the most effective way to minimize oral bleeding. Applying gentle pressure with gauze is recommended to reduce bleeding. You may be asked not to drink hot liquids and not to rinse your mouth for the first day after your oral surgery. We recommend that you avoid foods with sharp or rough edges that could irritate your gums. If you smoke after oral surgery, it will certainly increase the bleeding. It will also dislodge the blood clot at the surgical site and postpone the healing process. Do not drink through a straw following your surgery, since this will also dislodge the blood clot and cause a painful condition known as a “dry socket.”

Any oral surgery requires an in-depth understanding of your medical history by our experienced surgical team in Orland Park. Based on this information, we can determine the best solution for you to ensure your safety. 

For questions about medications or oral surgery, please contact our Orland Park, IL dental office.

Our practice specializes in oral surgery and provides excellent results. Overall recovery is dependent upon your adhering to the guidelines suggested by your oral surgeon in Orland Park following any procedure.

It is common for hot, cold, spicy, or acidic foods to irritate soft tissues during healing, and some sensitivity is normal within the first few days following an oral surgery procedure. You may suffer from infections, bleeding, or slow healing when eating foods that require a lot of chewing. Foods like chips can break into pieces and irritate delicate gum tissue in the mouth. Drinking through a straw is harmful to your tissues because it creates strain and therefore does not allow your body to form a clot to stop any bleeding. By avoiding each of these, you can reduce your healing time.

When it comes to eating and drinking during your first 24 hours, you need to take extra precautions. Make sure you eat soft, mushy foods that require minimal chewing effort.

You may want to consider the following:

• Although banana smoothies should not be consumed through a straw, they are tasty, filling, and contain many nutrients.
• Fruits like applesauce, mandarin orange slices in juice, and seedless watermelon are easy and tasty fruits to eat.
• Warm (not hot) soups and broths help keep your strength up when you’re still recovering. Be certain to choose soups without large pieces of food to avoid chewing. 
• Since mashed potatoes are creamy and filling, they can provide you with the feeling of having eaten a meal. Add some cheese to the dish to make it more interesting.
• Having Greek yogurt after dental surgery is a healthy, high-protein food you can enjoy. The smooth and creamy texture of Greek yogurt may help soothe and numb your mouth.
• After having your wisdom teeth removed, eggs are one of the best foods to eat. Eggs are a source of high-quality protein rich in vitamins and minerals. 
• Avocados are low in carbs but high in healthy fats and are great for eating while recovering from oral surgery. Avocados contain a lot of nutrients, including vitamin K, vitamin C, and potassium.
• Hummus is a great source of healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and protein. Hummus can be made by blending chickpeas, olive oil, tahini, lemon, and garlic in a food processor. 
• You should be careful not to overeat sugar, but puddings and flavored gelatin are great ways to get your calories, especially during the initial hours following surgery when you are experiencing inflammation or stiffness. Aside from being gentle on the stomach, they are also pleasant on the tongue.

After any oral surgery procedure, your overall recovery is dependent on making good decisions that will not interfere with the healing process. Your oral surgeon will provide you with detailed instructions. 

For more information regarding post-surgery care, please contact our oral surgery office in Orland Park, IL.