How to Prepare Yourself Before Oral Surgery?
Many people will be anxious or afraid during their first dental operation. But as the date for your oral surgery gets close, it’s vital that you first get prepared physically and emotionally so that the entire operation moves smoothly. We have provided you with essential tips that should help you prepare for your first oral surgery.
Steps to Prepare Before Surgery
Dental surgeries have a high success rate, are painless and have a relatively short recovery period compared to other surgeries. Nonetheless, patients need to be in the right state physically and mentally to make the procedure run smoothly. Below are steps to follow before going for oral surgery in Rockwall, TX:
Learn About the Oral Surgery You’ll Be Having
There are different types of oral surgical procedures. Your dentist will be the one to determine which one is best suited for you, depending on your dental needs. After a consultation, you can ask your dentist for more details about the surgery you’ll be having. For example, you can inquire about the sedation technique that will be used during treatment. The most common form of sedation is local anaesthesia, usually administered via a small injection in the area surrounding the damaged tooth.
More complex procedures may require other forms of sedation, administered orally, through the nostril or via an IV. You can also inquire about the form of medication you’ll be taking during recovery. This often consists of painkillers and antibiotics, which can be purchased over the counter. The more questions you ask, the more you learn about the procedure, making you more psychologically prepared and comfortable.
Talk to Your Insurance Provider
Many people have dental insurance since it has become more affordable and reliable. If you have dental insurance, contacting your insurance provider before surgery is important. During the call, you can ask whether they cover the type of dental procedure you are scheduled to undergo. Many insurance covers will pay part or the entire cost of dental surgery except for a few cosmetic dental procedures. This significantly reduces the cost of treatment, so you won’t have to wait to raise the money for treatment before going for surgery. Visit a dental clinic in Rockwall, TX, to find out if they accept dental insurance from your insurance provider before proceeding with treatment.
Organize Transport
This may sound like a simple step, but it is often overlooked. Driving to the dental appointment is usually a no-brainer since you would be in a sober state. The issue arises when you need to go back home after treatment and don’t have someone to drive you there. Some dental procedures are simple and don’t need sedation, so your mental and physical state wouldn’t be affected. Unfortunately, that’s usually not the case with dental procedures that require oral surgery.
Even though the effects of the sedation wear off with time, it would still be unsafe to drive a few minutes after treatment. Therefore we recommend you organize transport to and from your dental appointment before oral surgery. You can have a friend, partner or family member drive you to and from the dental appointment. Alternatively, you can order a taxi to come to pick you up after the dental operation.
Ask What Food Would Be Safe to Eat Before and After Surgery
You may have to make a few sacrifices before treatment and during recovery. The standard rule is to not eat or drink anything, including water, eight to twelve hours before surgery. If the surgery requires a local anaesthetic, you may have a light meal one or two hours before treatment can commence so long as you brush your teeth and floss once done. Our family dentist in Rockwall, TX, recommends following this rule as it reduces the chances of vomiting in patients with nausea.
Wear the Right Clothes
You should dress practically before going for the operation. Just wear short-sleeved, loose-fitting clothes to make it easier for your dentist to inject you with local anaesthesia or put an IV drip. You should wear something you won’t mind getting stained, although your dentist will do their best to prevent that.
Don’t put on makeup or lipstick before the procedure; don’t wear any jewellery, as you may be asked to take them out during some procedures. To make things easier, pin or tie your hair.
Take a Few Days off of Work
Some dental procedures have minimal side effects allowing you to resume work shortly after. However, we recommend requesting a few days from work so your body can rest and recover faster.
How to Take Care After Surgery
Practising good aftercare will ensure your wound heals fast and without any complications. Below are a few tips to follow:
Practice good dental hygiene
Take your medications as prescribed by your dentist
Rest as often as possible, especially the first few days after surgery
Don’t eat hard and crunchy foods before recovery
Avoid smoking the first 24 hours post-treatment
Conclusion
A lot of things may force you to undergo oral surgery in future. For example, you can suffer from tooth damage or cavities. Whichever the case, it is essential that you follow the tips we gave out to prepare yourself for oral surgery. If you have more questions about dental surgery, visit Lakeside Dental Solutions in Rockwall, TX, for consultation.