5 Key Points to Consider Before an Oral Surgery

Whether it’s a root canal therapy or tooth extraction, it can be challenging to go through a dental procedure. Oral surgeries are associated with pain and sheer agony. This is not the case, though, if you’re well prepared for it.

Preparation is required for both pre and post-operation duration. This is because even after the procedure, you need ample recovery time. The surgeon might provide some of the information you need, but personal level research is crucial if you want a smoother and faster recovery.

What does oral surgery involve?

Dental surgery broadly refers to a variety of medical procedures that encompass the gums and teeth. Below are the most common dental procedures a dental surgeon performs.

• Tooth Removal – A number of situations can get you diagnosed for a tooth extraction. These include tooth decay or disease, trauma, overcrowded teeth, and misaligned teeth. Usually, teeth visible over the gum line can easily be removed through simple extraction using forceps.

A surgical extraction is performed if a bone tissue has to be cut to remove the tooth. Mostly, it’s wisdom teeth that require an extraction procedure since they are sturdy and hard to remove.

• Prosthodontics – This refers to procedures that involve tooth reshaping to accept veneers, dental crowns, and bridges. A prosthodontic procedure is also engaged if the patient needs dental implants inserted surgically to mount artificial teeth.

• Maxillofacial procedure – It refers to a complex oral surgery done by specialist dentists. It primarily involves jaw correction, nerve repositioning, dentoalveolar surgery, and dental maxillofacial implants.

In restorative dentistry, stitches are usually put into place after the surgery to seal up the wound. The stitches are of two types, those that dissolve after some time and others that are removed at a later date.

Preparing for an oral surgery

• Consultation

Before any dental surgery, it is essential to consult with your surgeon. The surgeon will give guidelines on the types of medications and diet to avoid days before the surgery, as well as what to expect after the surgery. Your medical history is also examined at this stage.

It’s crucial to ask pre-written specific questions before the procedure. This helps to put your mind at ease and gets you relaxed. Questions such as “how long will the surgery take?” can help in coordination with whoever’s picking you up after the procedure.

• Transportation

It’s good to have an arrangement with someone to pick you up if you have an outpatient appointment. This is because driving yourself home might be difficult due to long-lasting anesthesia effects.

You will need to have someone by your side for the first two nights after the surgery in case complications arise, or if you need help say for children care or pets. You also need someone to pick up your pain medications and post-surgery antibiotics to have them ready when needed.

• Before and after Surgery meals

After surgery, your dentist will recommend you stick to soft foods and like soup, milk, and yogurts for a few days. This helps you avoid putting too much pressure on your teeth and gums. It’s also recommended to avoid spicy and acidic foods that might irritate the wound.

Before and after the surgery, avoid alcohol and smoking for at least 12 hours. These alter your body’s self-healing process and may lead to further complications.

• Clothing

As you go for the surgery, put on loose, preferably old, and comfortable clothing. Leave out makeup, jewelry, and contact lenses during the operation. You can bring lip balm to soothe your lips at the completion of the procedure.

• Medications

Dentists recommend avoiding medicines that thin the blood weeks before your oral surgery. Drugs such as aspirin and also alcohol play a role in prolonging the body’s healing process.

In restorative dentistry, painkillers and antibiotics might be recommended before the surgery to make the procedure comfortable.

Recovery Tips

• Don’t lie on your belly. It may prolong bleeding
• For the first 2 hours, out an ice pack against the operated tooth
• Avoid strenuous activities. These increase bleeding
• Incorporate soft foods during the early days. Slowly add hard foods as you heal
• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water for the first few days, every day.