When it comes to dental surgery, you may think recovery starts after the procedure and that swelling can wait until later. However, a smoother recovery begins before the procedure even starts.
We offer a few holistic dental surgeries in Lake Oswego to help prepare you for your surgery and what's to come after. At our skin studio, we provide pre-surgical lymphatic drainage treatments and tissue repair. We want to help you explore which holistic treatment approach to take before your surgery to reduce inflammation.
The Science of Fluid Stasis: Clearing Your Jaw’s Lymphatic Pathways Before Surgical Trauma
When we think about post-surgical swelling, it's easy to assume it begins after the procedure. In reality, your body's lymphatic system plays a big role in how fluid, inflammation, and cellular waste are efficiently removed from your surgical area. If these fluids and inflammation build up, it can contribute to increased swelling and discomfort during your recovery.
Preparing the Lymphatic System Before Surgery
At The Skin Studio, we recommend Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) around 24 to 48 hours before your dental procedure. This specialized, gentle technique is designed to stimulate your lymphatic system and promote the movement of excess fluid through the deep lymphatic chains of the neck, jawline, and surrounding facial structures.
Once your surgery takes place, it will be easier for the fluid to drain immediately after your procedure. By opening up your pathways beforehand, it activates them, creating a space where your body can transport the excess fluids from where you got your surgery done and helps reduce the severity of your swelling.
Clinical Evidence
The benefits of MLD are supported by a consensus study published in PubMed Central (PMC), where it was found that manual lymphatic drainage used in oral and maxillofacial surgery was associated with reducing post-operative facial swelling and having a shorter duration of acute pain. This goes to show that you should take action before your procedure to help reduce inflammation, pain, and swelling.
Cellular Resuscitation: Fueling Immediate Tissue Repair with Post-Surgical Photobiomodulation
The moments immediately following your dental surgery are critical for your healing process. As your body begins to repair the surgical site, cells require energy to help manage inflammation, support tissue regeneration, and promote wound healing. We like to provide immediate care after your surgery in the early days to help optimize your body's natural healing process.
Supporting Recovery When It Matters Most
At Aesthetic Dentistry in Lake Oswego, our patients can benefit from a streamlined approach that supports your healing before, during, and immediately after surgery. This process begins with pre-treatment preparation at The Skin Studio. We use therapies that help optimize your tissues before your procedure. Following your treatment with Dr. Larry Bowden, you can then return for non-invasive photobiomodulation (PMD), which is a gentle light therapy that helps support your body's natural healing process by reducing inflammation and encouraging tissue repair.
This seamless workflow is designed to provide continuous support after your surgical experience, helping your body move directly from treatment into recovery without unnecessary delays.
Clinical Evidence
Photobiomodulation has become an increasingly used tool in dental medicine because of its strong safety profile and documented clinical benefits. Research available via PubMed Central (PMC) has helped establish evidence-based guidelines for the use of PBM in dentistry. It has been shown to help around zirconia, which is used for dental implants and restorations, and also metal implants. Studies have also shown effectiveness in reducing swelling and supporting a faster recovery rate around surgical wounds, making this a useful tool in modern surgical care.
Looking For The Best Pre-Op Care?
Book an appointment with us at Aesthetic Dentistry in Lake Oswego, OR. We want to help you with the best care before and after your dental surgeries. With the right help and care, you can move through treatment and recovery with less swelling or inflammation after you see us at The Skin Studio.