Steps to Get Ready for Oral Surgery
Any procedure a dental specialist performs on your teeth, gums, or jaw is referred to as oral surgery. Preparing for oral surgery can frequently result in feelings of apprehension and nervousness, much like most other surgeries. The greatest method to reduce anxiety is to be prepared and aware of what to expect.
Patients are more likely to heal more quickly if they take the time to make plans for the time after an oral surgery.
How to Prepare for Oral Surgery in Advance
You will most likely receive the majority of the preparation-related material from your surgeon, but you could also wish to conduct your own research. The following information will help you get ready for oral surgery.
- Consult a Dentist
A consultation with your dental surgeon is the initial stage in oral surgery, unless it is an emergency procedure. In a consultation, the doctor will discuss your surgical expectations with you, obtain a medical history, and advise you on which medications to avoid in the weeks leading up to the procedure.
Now is the moment to discuss sedation alternatives with your doctor and ask any particular questions you may have regarding the procedure. Write down your questions in advance of the session to ensure you don’t forget anything crucial.
- Arrange for Transport
The majority of oral operations are performed as outpatient procedures, therefore you will be released soon after the procedure. Since you won’t be able to drive yourself home owing to the anesthesia’s lingering effects, it is essential to make transportation arrangements.
Having someone stay with you for a night or two after surgery is also a good idea. This person can watch over you, contact the doctor if issues develop, and assist with taking care of any kids or pets.
Following the procedure, the doctor will give you prescriptions for painkillers and antibiotics to take. To ensure that they are there when you need them, make arrangements for someone to pick them up before you arrive at your house.
- What to eat
Pre Surgery:
- Depending on the procedure, your doctor might advise you to abstain from food the night before, especially if general anaesthesia is being used.
- It can be advised to avoid eating for at least eight hours prior to the procedure.
- You might be able to eat a light meal a few hours before receiving local anaesthesia.
- Prior to surgery, brush your teeth to reduce the amount of bacteria that could enter the surgical site.
Post Surgery:
- It is preferable to eat a diet high in soft foods so you don’t have to exert much effort when biting or chewing.
- Food should be bland and soft, and for a few days, you might want to try protein powder drinks or beverages with added nutrients.
- Drinking beverages with a straw might create dry socket, therefore avoid doing so.
- After surgery, abstain from alcohol for at least 24 hours.
- Before the anaesthesia wears off and you can feel your cheek and tongue, you shouldn’t consume anything at all. You could unintentionally bite them if you eat while they’re still numb.
- Medications
A few weeks prior to the procedure, the surgeon might ask you to cease using blood-thinning drugs. Aspirin is one of these drugs, which can delay the healing process. To make sure their patients are comfortable before surgery, some doctors begin giving them antibiotics and painkillers.
As mentioned, someone should go ahead and pick up some painkillers so they are ready for you when you arrive home. Dentists utilise penicillin VK, erythromycin, clindamycin, ticarcillin, and metronidazole among other antibiotics. Non-narcotic painkillers like acetaminophen with a prescription strength are included.
- At Home
Before the procedure, you should start setting up your home for rehabilitation. Your bed linens are probably ruined, so switch them out for some clean, disposable ones. To keep your head up during the healing process, gather a lot of cushions.
Think about keeping games and reading materials on the nightstand, as well as keeping your phone close by in case you need to contact for assistance. Purchase soft meals in advance and have them ready in the refrigerator, such as yoghurt and smoothie ingredients. Additionally, you should keep some ice packs on hand.
Dental Surgery Recovery Tips
- For at least a few days, sleep with your head raised.
- In the days following surgery, be as restrained and avoid any heavy exercise as possible.
- To relieve discomfort and swelling, apply a cold compress.
- You can typically rinse your mouth with lukewarm salt water beginning 24 hours following your surgery.
- Keep brushing and flossing your teeth.
What to anticipate during recovering
Patients who undergo oral surgery recover fully in the great majority of cases. After about two days, the discomfort and swelling should subside. Get in touch with the dental surgeon if you’re bleeding significantly or are still experiencing pain despite taking painkillers. If you experience nausea, vomiting, headaches, muscle pains, or any other infection-related symptoms, call them.
Time Factors for Surgery and Recuperation
The condition being treated determines how long the oral surgery takes. A dental implant can take months with multiple phases, but removing a wisdom tooth often takes less than two hours.
It may take two weeks to recover after a single oral surgery like a wisdom tooth extraction or root canal. It may take up to five hours to operate on the jaw, and recovery could take a month to a month and a half.
Dental Surgery Types
Among the causes of oral surgery are:
- Wisdom tooth extraction
- Root canal therapy
- Dental Implants
- Oral cancer
- Emergency dental removals
- Jaw surgery
- Injuries to the jaw and teeth
- Biopsies
- Infections
Emergencies That May Need Oral Surgery
While dealing with dental problems may not necessarily necessitate emergency care, it’s always a good idea to make an appointment. The following dental emergencies may necessitate oral surgery:
- Abscessed tooth
- Knocked out tooth
- Tooth pain
- Impacted tooth
- Dental implant complications
- Cracked, dislocated, or broken jaw joint
Dental Surgery / Oral Surgery by Primecare Family Dental
You may set yourself up for a speedy and painless recovery by paying attention to your dental surgeon’s recommendations and the aforementioned suggestions for getting ready for oral surgery. All of your dental care needs can be met by Primecare Family Dental. To set up a meeting, get in touch with us.