How to Prepare For Oral Surgery

Patient receive a treatment plan for oral surgery

As with any health procedure like surgery, a patient can understandably experience feelings of anxiety and nervousness before going in. The best way to put those feelings at ease is by preparing and knowing what to expect. That’s exactly what this post will aim to do.

 

We will go over some of the basics of oral surgery and what to expect before, during and after. If you have oral surgery in your future, this will hopefully help put your mind at ease.

 

Types of Dental Surgery

Oral surgery can happen under a number of circumstances and for a number of conditions. These can include:

  • Compounded wisdom teeth and wisdom tooth extraction
  • Jaw alignment surgery
  • Sleep apnea treatment
  • Reconstructive surgery following an injury
  • Dental implants
  • Biopsies
  • Infection and/or root canal therapy

 

Pre-surgery

No patient goes into surgery without a thorough treatment plan in place (except in an emergency situation, which is rare for oral surgery). Upon appointment with your dentist, you will receive a treatment plan that includes anesthesia options and post-care advice. This will also be the time you can ask any questions so come prepared if there is anything you would like to know.

 

Pre-surgery is also the time to prepare your home to make sure you have the time and necessities to heal in a timely manner. The more you put into your future comfort before the surgery, the better you will be. This includes making sure your fridge and cupboards are stocked with things you can eat and drink and ensuring you have the proper amount of time booked off work. You will also want to notify the people in your life so they can check in on you. You will likely need to arrange for a ride home (you will not be allowed to drive if you are receiving anesthetic) and it might be a good idea to have someone stay with you for a night or two if you live alone.

 

Surgery

On the day of the surgery, you should shower, put on clean, comfortable, loose-fitting clothes and don’t wear contact lenses or jewelry. When you arrive for the surgery, you will have time to ask any last questions before you are anesthetized. It’s a good idea to bring some lip chap for after the surgery.

 

Post-surgery

Once your pre-arranged ride gets you safely home, it’s time to settle in and focus on recovering. It is time to rest and heal. Take the time you need for your body to recover and sleep as much as you feel you need to. Eat or drink nutritiously and don’t push it! If you have followed up appointments to check how things are healing, make sure you get to those and follow the recommendations in your treatment plan. This might include a future appointment to get stitches removed or following a schedule for painkillers.

 

Oral surgery is always more successful when the patient invests in their healing by following the dentist’s recommendations. No question is off-limits and does take the time to prepare before the surgery takes place.

If you have any questions about oral surgery, please contact us.