Take the Worry Out of Oral Surgery With Four Steps to Getting Ready
So, you’ve met with your dentist and you have an oral surgery appointment on the horizon. Don’t panic! Thousands of dental surgeries are performed on Americans each and every year. The majority of procedures are common and minimally invasive, with a very low risk of side effects or complications.
Still, it’s natural to have some concerns. The question we hear most often from our patients is, “How can I get ready for dental surgery?” If you’re wondering how you can prepare, it’s a great sign! Being proactive and invested is correlated with better outcomes across the board.
So, how should you prepare for your surgery? Here are some steps you can take:
1) Talk to Your Dentist About Any Special Requirements
The first and most important thing is to be communicative with your dentist. This is true not only about this question, but any concern you might have. Once we know what your needs are, we can strive to make the entire experience more pleasant for you.
2) Get Help With Transportation From Family or Friends
If your oral procedure includes general anesthesia, you will need help getting from place to place afterwards. Bring a trusted friend or family member along with you and make your post-surgery plans in advance so you are both on the same page.
3) Be Aware of Eating and Drinking Restrictions – Before and After Surgery
Before surgery, it is usually the case that you will need to avoid eating and drinking for a while. This can be as brief as eight hours or as much as about 24 hours before surgery. In some cases, you might be able to have liquids before the procedure.
Also think ahead to what you’ll be able to eat after the procedure – avoid foods that are highly acidic or spicy, since this can potentially inflame your gums. Although it may seem convenient, avoid using a straw if you’ve had a tooth extracted, because it can result in complications.
4) Be Ready for Rest
No matter what kind of surgery you have been involved in, it’s important to rest up and recover afterward. Set up your space beforehand so that everything you need will be in easy reach – for example, books, games, and perhaps even the television set. The more undisturbed rest you get, the faster you will recover from any form of surgery.
Our dental office is dedicated to making your surgery experience easy. Patients from Newbury Park, Westlake Village, and Thousand Oaks have praised our comfortable and supportive office environment, so call us today for an appointment.