Can You Go Swimming After Dental Surgery?

Swimming is an exercise enjoyed by people of all ages. Some make it a part of their routine and cannot go a day without hitting the waters. However, your routine must change after oral surgery by the dentist in Broomfield. Continue reading to learn why and how long you must stay out of the waters after dental surgery.

What Is Dental Surgery?

It is any surgical procedure carried out on your teeth, jaws, gums, and other oral tissues. Dental surgery is performed by specialists like periodontists or oral and maxillofacial surgeons. The procedure can be performed if you have the following:

• Jaw bone loss

• Deep teeth cavities

• Severely damaged teeth

• Gum disease

• Obstructive sleep apnea

• Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD)

• Impacted teeth

• Oral cancer

Types of Dental Surgery

There are various types of dental surgery performed by a dentist near you. Some of the common ones include:

• Tooth extraction

This procedure involves pulling out a tooth from its alveolar socket. It is recommended as the last option to ease pain, treat infections or improve oral health. Tooth extractions address issues like impacted wisdom teeth, gum disease, decay, and dental injury.

• Gum tissues surgery

People with moderate or severe gum disease need periodontal therapy. Sometimes, the treatment involves gum surgery. Your dentist will eliminate plaque and bacteria on your tooth roots and under the gums. The surgery can also involve a gum graft to correct gum recession

• Dental bone grafting

It is a surgical procedure to correct jaw bone loss. The dentist places a small artificial bone or one from your body or donors on your jawbone. This graft attaches to your jawbone, restoring density and volume. Your improved jawbone will provide a solid foundation for implants. It will also correct facial sagging, giving you a more youthful look.

• Obstructive Sleep apnea surgery

Obstructive sleep apnea is a disorder that occurs when you are asleep. The small tissues in the back of your throat fall back and block the airway. As a result, you will not sleep properly but will wake up severally. Sleep apnea surgery is performed for severe cases only.

• Dental implants placement

Implants are an effective method of replacing missing teeth. The dentist will surgically place small titanium implants into your jawbone. Once they fuse with the jawbone, they support dentures, crowns, or dental bridges.

Can You Swim After Dental Surgery?

Yes, you can swim after dental surgery. However, you should not embark on the exercise immediately after coming from the dental office. The dentist in Broomfield recommends waiting until the effects of the anesthesia wear off completely. They also advise patients to give their bodies time to rest after surgery for faster recovery.

Can a Child Swim After Getting a Tooth Extraction?

Kids are very resilient. So, after oral surgery, you may see them preparing to jump into the pool. However, you should not allow them to swim right away. A child can swim after tooth extraction but must wait for at least 24 hours. However, it is ideal if they wait until the mouth heals.

When the dentist removes the tooth, tiny blood clots form at the socket. This clot helps to minimize bleeding and prevents debris and bacteria from reaching the pulp. When a child swims after having a tooth removed, they risk dislodging the clot resulting in a dry socket. In addition, they will experience increased bleeding and pain due to strenuous activity.

They also increase their chances of an infection in the operated area. It is because they cannot keep water from entering their mouths when swimming. The non-sterile water in the pool or lake introduces bacteria into the wound.

How Long After Surgery Can I Go Swimming?

The duration you should wait before swimming following dental surgery depends on the type of surgery. You can swim 24 hours after a minor surgical procedure, but you may need to wait two weeks after a major one. Patients who are easily fatigued or anemic may stay longer.

Therefore, you should ask for your dentist’s recommendation on when to resume swimming. Fox Creek Dental by Espire Broomfield experts will first evaluate your oral and overall health. This will help them to recommend an ideal time to resume swimming. Book an appointment at the dental clinic for various oral surgical treatments.