How Can I Prepare for Oral Surgery?

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By Camarillo Premier Dental

Do you have an oral surgery and are not sure how to prepare for it? No matter whether you are getting wisdom teeth out, a dental implant, or something full-blown, preparation is what is important in making sure everything proceeds well. 

Dental surgery may be an intimidating experience, and after taking the proper steps, you will be prepared to go through it.

Understanding the Importance of Preparing for Oral Surgery

Surgical procedures such as tooth removals, implants, and gum grafts, among others, are considered to be safe but necessitate some planning to minimize the risks and facilitate the healing process. Proper preparation assists you in dealing with anxiety, reducing the conditions, and healing faster. This is how you can be ready to have your next oral surgery.

1. Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions

Preparation for oral surgery is to first take whatever your oral surgeon tells you to do. These instructions are specific to your own procedure and can contain:

  • Fasting: It is possible that you are not supposed to eat or drink for several hours before the surgery, particularly when you are undergoing the process of being sedated.
  • Medications: Your surgeon might ask you to stop some medications or prescribe an antibiotic before the surgery.
  • Pre-surgery checkups: Are you experiencing any other underlying health issues (such as diabetes or heart disease)? Then do not forget to discuss it with your surgeon.

2. Arrange for Transportation After Your Oral Surgery

In case your oral surgery needs to be sedated or under general anesthesia, you cannot drive yourself home. You should get someone you know well or a family member to drive you to and back from the oral surgery in Camarillo. In case you are undergoing local anesthesia, you may not be in a position to drive yourself after the surgery. However, in case you have someone with you, it is always good to have someone accompany you to the surgery.

3. Prepare Your Home for Recovery After Surgery

After operating, you will need a place where you can relax and recuperate. The following are some of the things that you can do to prepare:

  • Prepare soft food: When oral surgery is done, you may feel swollen or in pain, so it is necessary to have soft and nutritious food such as yogurt, soup, and mashed potatoes.
  • Ice packs: Ice packs to your face after surgery can help in relieving swelling and pain, and therefore, you should have ice packs available.
  • Over-the-counter painkillers: You should ask your surgeon whether you can take over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen to relieve the pain after surgery.

4. Plan for Post-Surgery Care

Oral surgery will take time to recover, depending on the type of procedure, although it should be taken care of properly to prevent complications. Some key instructions to follow are:

  • Cleaning your mouth: You can be instructed not to brush the surgical site for a few days or have a saltwater rinse to help the area heal.
  • Avoiding some activities: It is important to avoid intense physical activities because of the high chances of complications such as bleeding.
  • Follow-up appointments: Never forget to visit follow-up appointments to ensure good healing and resolve any questions that you might have.

5. Manage Your Anxiety About Your Oral Surgery

Naturally, it is normal to be nervous prior to oral surgery, particularly when it is the first time a procedure is performed. To ease anxiety, you can share your concerns with your surgeon, and your dentist will describe the procedure, answer questions, and provide reassurance.

It is also possible to invite a person you trust to help you feel better and supported both before and after the surgery.

Be Ready for Your Oral Surgery

The recovery of oral surgery in Camarillo can be easy and successful only when it is properly prepared. With the tips given by your surgeon, transportation, recovery preparation, and all the anxieties, you are already on the path to a successful surgery.

Contact us today to book your appointment and let us help you in preparing for your next oral surgery!

FAQs

How long will it take to recover from oral surgery?

Recovery time generally takes 1 to 2 weeks for minor surgeries, after which people get back to feeling normal, but with complex procedures, the recovery can take longer.

Can I eat normally after oral surgery?

During the initial few days, you will have to remain on soft foods so that you do not irritate the surgical site. When you are healed, you are able to resume a normal diet.

How can I reduce swelling after surgery?

Applying ice on top of the surgical site in 15-20 minute intervals within the initial 24 hours may reduce swelling.

Is it normal to feel pain after oral surgery?

The pain is normal after surgery and can be controlled using prescribed pain medications. See a dentist when the pain is acute or chronic.

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