26 May What to Do Before Your Oral Surgery
Wisdom teeth extractions, dental implant placements, and other oral surgeries can seem intimidating. But knowing how to prepare can help you feel more comfortable with the procedure. Here’s everything you need to know about what you should and shouldn’t do before an oral surgery to ensure it goes smoothly.
Seven Things You Need to Do Before an Oral Surgery
1: Ask Questions
No question is too silly when it comes to your dental care. At Prescott Dentistry, we want you to feel as comfortable as possible, so don’t be afraid to ask any questions that come to mind during your consultation ahead of the surgery. And if you think of more questions later on, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Here are some great questions to ask that will help you prepare for your oral surgery:
- Will I need medication after the procedure?
- Are there any risks I should be aware of?
- How long will the surgery take?
- Can I eat before the procedure?
- What should I eat or avoid eating after surgery?
- How long will it take to recover?
2: Arrange a Ride Home
Oral surgeries such as wisdom tooth extractions and dental implant placement typically involve general anesthesia, so you will be unable to drive for up to 48 hours afterward. Make sure to ask a friend or family member to drive you to and from your appointment. If there isn’t anyone available, you can use a ride-share app.
3: Set Up a Good Place to Rest
You’ll need at least two days of rest after your appointment to ensure a speedy recovery, and there’s nothing wrong with being a couch potato while you heal. Make sure you have comfy pillows, blankets, and a table for your meals wherever you set up your recovery space.
4: Ask Someone to Keep You Company
If you’re the only adult at home, it’s a good idea to ask a friend or family member to stay and care for you for the first day or two. They can make sure you get the rest you need and help out with meals, child care, or pet care.
5: Pick Up Medications in Advance
Your dentist may prescribe pain and/or anti-inflammatory medication, or suggest an over-the-counter pain reliever to help with recovery. You won’t be able to drive straight to the pharmacy after your procedure, so it’s important to pick up any medications you’ll need beforehand, or arrange for someone else to pick them up for you.
6: Stock Your Kitchen
You will need to eat a soft food diet for at least a few days after surgery. It’s important to stock your kitchen with yogurt, mashed potatoes, soups, etc. ahead of time, since you won’t be able to drive right away.
You should also have an ice pack, bags of frozen vegetables, or ice cubes on hand to help with any swelling. And if you’re going to have a tooth extracted, remember that you won’t be able to use a straw for at least a week, in order to prevent dry socket.
7: Get a Good Night’s Sleep
It’s essential that you get at least eight hours of sleep the night before your surgery. Getting a good night’s sleep can help you feel less nervous about the appointment, and it will help with recovery afterward.
What Not to Do Before Oral Surgery
Don’t Eat or Drink Before Surgery
If your oral surgery involves general anesthesia, you will need to fast beforehand. Do not eat or drink anything for at least eight hours before your appointment time.
Don’t Smoke Tobacco or Drink Alcohol
Tobacco use can cause complications with sedation and slow down the recovery process. It’s essential that you refrain from smoking for at least 12 hours before surgery, and for at least 24 hours afterward.
Alcohol can also inhibit recovery and affect how your body reacts to anesthesia. Do not consume alcohol within 48 hours of treatment.
Don’t Wear Tight Clothes, Contact Lenses, or Jewelry
There’s no need to dress to impress at the dentist. All you need is comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Don’t wear any jewelry—if you forget to take it off, you will be asked to remove it. Contact lenses should also be avoided, because your eyes will be closed for a long period of time.
Worry-Free Oral Surgery in Prescott, Arizona
If you need to have your wisdom teeth removed, are interested in dental implants, or need oral surgery to correct another problem, contact Prescott Dentistry.
Our skilled doctors can perform a wide variety of oral surgeries, including extractions and implants. We use holistic therapies and surgical lasers to maximize healing and ensure less invasive procedures.
Give us a call at 928-445-1660 today to schedule an appointment.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (5/26/2023). Photo by Eye for Ebony on Unsplash