How to Prepare for Oral Surgery

Just like any other surgery, oral surgery also involves certain risks and complications. The reason for oral surgery can be many but you need to discuss the underlying reasons. It is better to be prepared about the surgery in advance as being informed helps in knowing what to expect during the surgery. You must schedule an appointment with the Austin dentist or the oral surgeon for making sure that you understand the reasons for your procedure. In case of any queries, ask as many questions as you want for getting clarity. Let’s explore some tips on how to prepare for oral surgery.

• Arrange For a Ride Back Home

According to the dentist near Austin TX, you need to arrange someone who can come with you and take you back home. The surgery may be performed by giving sedation or anesthesia which may impair your judgment. It can be highly unsafe to operate the car in a sedated state. In case there is no one to take you back, arrange for public transportation or cab. You may be kept in the dental office for a few hours till the effect of sedation wears off.

• Fasting Before the Surgery

The dentist in Austin says that if you are going to be sedated, you are not supposed to eat or drink anything which includes water as well. This is important for preventing serious complications such as aspiration where the lungs fill with the contents of the stomach. If any medication is required to be taken, you can have it with a small sip of water.

It is important to fast for at least eight hours before the surgery. If you smoke, avoid smoking at least 12 hours before the procedure and 24 hours after the surgery. You must follow all the instructions given by the dentist in Austin near you for a faster recovery.

• Reach Before Time

You must reach at least 20 to 30 minutes early before the procedure as it gives time to complete the required paperwork. You will also get a chance to relax before the surgery begins.

• Keeping Bare Arms

It is recommended to wear clothes with short sleeves, if you will be given sedation for the surgery. This will help the nurses to take care of the vital signs, put blood pressure cuffs, or give IV sedation during the procedure.

• Medications

The dentist in 78745 may prescribe some post-operation medicines that you may need to recover from oral surgery. Always make sure you buy those medications in advance as you won’t have time to buy them after the operation.

• Arrange for Post Operation Foods and Drinks

After the surgery, there would be some food restrictions for the initial few days. The dentist will ask you to eat food that won’t put pressure on your teeth. You will be advised to:

• Drink plain water.
• Eat softer foods.
• Stay away from acidic and spicy foods.
• Choose healthier beverages like milk, tea, and protein drinks.
• Avoid drinking through a straw as it can damage the site of surgery.
• Rest Enough

You should rest enough and take proper sleep at night before the surgery. It will keep you calm and relaxed during the surgery. Being sleep deprived can make you irritated and anxious.

• Gather Information

Before the oral surgery, you must gather as much information as you can about the procedure and about the dental issues that you are facing. It will help in being less fearful about what you are going to encounter. You can also ask about how much you will have to endure after the surgery. This will help in being prepared for the procedure.

• Preparing the Home for Recovery

Before you leave for the surgery, it is important to prepare your home for the recovery phase. Change the bed linens to those that are clean and expendable as they may get stained. You will also need many pillows to keep your head in an elevated position as it is recommended after the procedure.

You must also keep the essential around the bed or the side table so that once you reach home after the surgery all the essentials remain by your side.