Though most oral surgery treatments are outpatient procedures, and you are able to return home afterwards, it can still be beneficial to be prepared. Not only will these early preparations make the day of surgery easier, it can also aid in the healing process as well. Dr. Kennedy and his team at Turnagain Dental do their best to make each oral surgery procedure less stressful for their patients by going over ways they can prepare for their surgery day and tips for a faster and more comfortable recovery.
Preparing for Oral Surgery
- Find a ride – During almost every oral surgery procedure, the patient will need to be put under local anesthesia. In some cases, it can take a while to wear off, so it is important to have someone drive you to and from your appointment.
- Fast – In most cases, your dentist will recommend that you fast before your surgery for roughly eight to ten hours. During this time, you cannot eat or drink anything. Early morning oral surgeries are often more ideal because you can sleep during the time you should be fasting, skip breakfast in the morning, and go straight to your appointment.
- Fill your prescriptions – Your dentist may give you a prescription that you will need to take after the surgery, so having these filled prior will save you a trip to the pharmacy. If they don’t provide you with the prescription until the day of, this is something your driver may be able to help you with.
- Stock up on soft foods – For the first few days after the surgery you will need to consume only soft foods such as yogurt, apple sauce, and liquid soups. Making sure you have these items ready to go for when you get home from your surgery can make the recovery process easier and less stressful.
Aftercare
Once you have returned home from your oral surgery, it is important to rest and try to get as much sleep as possible. Only consume soft food for the first few days in order to avoid any food particles getting stuck in your gums. It is also best to avoid drinking with straws or sucking on anything, as this can dislodge blood clots and cause dry socket. If you experience severe pain a few days after your surgery, speak to your dentist as soon as possible.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are in the Anchorage, AK area and need a dental implant, wisdom tooth removal, or other extraction, please contact our office today to learn more about our oral surgery process and to schedule your consultation.