At Davidson Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, we are committed to helping you recover as quickly and comfortably as possible after surgery. To enhance healing and reduce discomfort, we recommend incorporating Arnica, taking preventative measures if you’re prone to cold sores and properly hydrating if you are undergoing IV sedation.

Arnica for Faster Healing 

Arnica is a natural homeopathic remedy that helps reduce bruising, swelling, and discomfort after surgery. To maximize its benefits, we recommend the following regimen:

  • Start: Begin taking Arnica three days before your surgery.
  • Dosage: Take five pellets of Arnica 30C, three times a day (morning, afternoon and evening).
  • After Surgery: Continue taking the same dose (five pellets, three times a day) for seven days post-surgery to minimize swelling and promote faster healing.
  • How to Take: Place the pellets under your tongue and let them dissolve. Avoid eating or drinking for 15 minutes before and after taking Arnica to ensure proper absorption.

Benefits of Arnica:

  • Reduces post-surgical swelling and bruising.
  • Eases pain and discomfort.
  • Promotes faster tissue healing.

Cold Sore Prevention 

If you are prone to cold sores (herpes simplex virus), the stress of surgery can trigger an outbreak. To prevent this, we recommend taking antiviral medications starting before your surgery:

  • Over-the-counter option: Take Lysine (an amino acid supplement) at a dose of 500 mg, three times a day, starting five days before your surgery and continuing for seven days post-surgery.
  • Prescription option: We can prescribe Valacyclovir (Valtrex). The typical dose is two grams to be taken 12 hours before surgery and another two grams 12 hours after surgery. Continue with 500 mg twice daily for five days post-surgery to prevent an outbreak.

These medications will help suppress the virus and lower the chances of a cold sore flare-up, which can complicate healing.

Hydration for IV Sedation 

If you will be undergoing IV sedation, staying hydrated before your procedure is crucial. Proper hydration ensures that:

  • Easier IV Placement: Well-hydrated veins are easier to access, making the IV sedation process smoother and more comfortable.
  • Better Drug Distribution: Hydration helps the sedative drugs distribute more evenly throughout your body, improving their effectiveness.
  • Faster Recovery: Hydration helps your body flush out the sedation medications more efficiently, reducing grogginess and speeding up recovery after surgery.

We recommend:

  • 48 hours before surgery: Drink at least eight glasses of water per day (eight ounces each).
  • Morning of surgery: Avoid drinking large amounts in the hours leading up to your procedure, but make sure you have had at least two glasses of water before the cut-off time for food and liquids.

By following these guidelines, you will help ensure a smoother experience and a faster recovery. If you have any questions or need clarification, feel free to contact our office. We’re here to support you every step of the way!

In addition to Arnica, cold sore prevention, and hydration for IV sedation, here are a few other recommendations that can help optimize your healing and comfort:

Bromelain Supplement for Swelling and Inflammation 

Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapples that can help reduce inflammation, swelling, and discomfort after surgery. It works particularly well in conjunction with Arnica.

  • Start: Begin taking Bromelain the day of your surgery.
  • Dosage: Take 500 mg twice daily (morning and evening) for seven days post-surgery.
  • How to Take: Take with water on an empty stomach to enhance absorption.

Benefits:

  • Reduces post-surgical swelling and inflammation.
  • Supports faster recovery.

Vitamin C for Tissue Repair

Vitamin C is essential for collagen production, which is critical for tissue repair and wound healing.

  • Start: Begin taking Vitamin C at least 5 days before surgery and continue for 2 weeks post-surgery.
  • Dosage: Take 1,000 mg daily, either as a single dose or split into two 500 mg doses.

Benefits:

  • Boosts immune function to prevent infections.
  • Enhances tissue repair and reduces scarring.

Zinc for Immune Support

Zinc plays a vital role in immune function and wound healing, making it a helpful supplement during your surgical recovery.

  • Start: Begin taking Zinc at least 5 days before surgery and continue for 7 days post-surgery.
  • Dosage: Take 30 mg of Zinc daily with food.

Benefits:

  • Supports immune function to help prevent infections.
  • Enhances wound healing.

Protein-Rich Diet 

A protein-rich diet is crucial for post-surgery recovery, as it supports tissue repair and overall healing. Focus on consuming high-quality protein sources like lean meats, eggs, fish, beans and tofu.

  • Pre-Surgery: Increase your protein intake in the days leading up to your procedure.
  • Post-Surgery: Aim for at least 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight each day (or more, depending on your needs) to support tissue regeneration and healing.

Sleep and Stress Management 

Getting adequate rest before and after surgery is crucial for your body’s ability to heal. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night and practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation to manage stress. Stress can interfere with healing and compromise your immune function.

Schedule An Appointment & Learn More

By combining these strategies with the original pre-op and post-op instructions, you’ll create an optimal environment for your body to recover quickly and effectively. Let us know if you’d like further guidance on any of these recommendations!

For more information about these instructions or about our dental services in Davidson, North Carolina, please call our office at 704-987-2277. Our team will be happy to address your questions and help you schedule an appointment with our experienced dentist, Dr. Michael Wilhite.