If your friend or loved one just had oral surgery, being there for them can be incredibly helpful to the recovery process.
Oftentimes, however, it’s hard to know what to do to help. Because oral surgery involves anesthetics, your loved one will be nearly helpless immediately after the procedure.
That’s where you come in. Below are four good ways you can help someone who is recovering from oral surgery.
1. Drive Them Home After the Oral Surgery
One of the most important duties of the friend or family member is driving the patient home from surgery.
Your loved one will not be able to drive after having anesthesia. In fact, some offices won’t even do the procedure if the patient doesn’t have a ride home. Providing transportation is a tremendous help to the patient.
2. Let Them Rest
The healing process is expedited greatly when a patient is sleeping. Therefore, it’s beneficial if you can help your loved one get as much sleep as possible.
If they have responsibilities such as taking care of children or pets, preparing dinner, etc., you should make those responsibilities yours. The less they have to worry about, the more relaxed they will be. As a result, they will sleep better and heal faster.
3. Help Them with Meals & Meds
Because many people sleep a lot after oral surgery, it can be hard to keep track of when to take pain medicine. A helpful support person will remind the patient when medicine needs to be taken, bring ice to decrease swelling and get them the right foods to eat.
Immediately upon returning home from the surgery, you should prepare an ice bag. Icing the area helps reduce swelling. The first couple of days, the patient should only drink liquids and eat soft foods.
You can prepare mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies and milkshakes for your friend to help them get nourishment while they are still uncomfortable. However, it’s important to note that they should not use straws.
4. Keep Them Company
Not every patient will be the same. Some will want a lot of help; others will see it as incessant fussing.
Your friend might not want to be waited on hand and foot, but they will likely appreciate company, especially if the recovery is uncomfortable. Having someone there is a great distraction.
Something as simple as watching movies and drinking milkshakes with your friend or family member can go a long way in boosting their morale.
Looking for more ways to prepare for oral surgery? Contact our office at Richmond Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.