After your palate Coblation procedure, the goal is to help the area heal and develop adequate scar tissue to stiffen lax tissue. We also want to control discomfort and minimize the risks of bleeding, infection, and prolonged pain. To help your body recover as quickly as possible, you might do one or more of the following:
Modify your diet. In general, you can eat whatever feels comfortable for you. Foods that might cause unnecessary irritation in soft palate tissue include those that are spicy or hot. Expect some swelling in the palate or throat area and plan accordingly. Mild difficulty swallowing may warrant a soft-food diet for a few days. Usually, after three to four days, it's possible to eat normally.
Suck on ice. Holding an ice cube in the mouth for a few minutes can do a lot for pain relief. The brain isn't adept at differentiating between pain and cold, and cold can sometimes override pain. Like diet modifications, this strategy may be needed only for two or three days. You can do it a few times a day as needed.
Curtail certain activities. You can and should spend time walking after your palate Coblation procedure. Walking can hasten tissue healing and also prevents blood clots from forming in the legs. Too much inactivity after any dental or medical procedure carries a risk of clotting. So, walk a few minutes at least three times a day and increase your activity gradually over the course of a few weeks. For the first week, it's important to avoid strenuous activities that increase heart rate and blood pressure.
Avoid certain oral products. Dr. Volpi may discuss oral care in detail at the time of your appointment. In general, after the palate Coblation procedure, you should avoid the use of mouthwash, throat spray, and lozenges. Many of these products contain alcohol, which can irritate the tissue of the soft palate.