5 Things You Should Do Before Oral Surgery
Are you receiving oral surgery soon? Whether you’re having your wisdom teeth removed, receiving dental implants, or undergoing corrective jaw surgery, preparing for the procedure beforehand can help ease your nerves and encourage a smoother recovery. Read through this list of five things you should do before oral surgery to discover ways to make this process easier. Go Over Your Pre-Op Instructions The first step in knowing how to properly prepare for your oral surgery is to read through your pre-op instructions. Your dental provider or oral surgeon likely provided written or verbal instructions to you during your consultation appointment. These instructions help you understand what to eat, wear, and do to prepare yourself for this surgery. Stock Up on Food and Comfort Items You may not be in the mood to run to the store and stock up on supplies after a surgery. After all, you will experience residual soreness or pain and will likely want to relax. You should go to the store before the appointment and buy soft foods and comfort items to ensure you have a smooth recovery from oral surgery. For example, you might purchase mashed potatoes and pudding along with relaxing activities to keep yourself occupied, such as puzzles or reading materials. Ask a Friend or Family Member for a Ride Any type of surgery can take a toll on your body, and most individuals are not fit to drive themselves afterward. Because of this, it’s always best to have someone you trust drive you to and from your appointment. Never try to drive yourself; you never know how you will feel waking up from the surgery, so it’s always best to have someone with you. Refrain From Eating the Night Before If you’re going under anesthesia, your pre-op instructions likely mention that you need to fast the night before. Depending on the time of surgery, you usually start fasting six hours before the procedure. Speak with your surgeon to determine the specific time you should stop eating and drinking to help keep you safe under anesthesia. Prepare Questions or Concerns The last thing you should do before oral surgery is to write down any questions or concerns you might have about the procedure. Feel free to ask as many questions as needed to feel comfortable. Everyone experiences this process differently, and the surgeon will want to address your concerns before diving into the procedure to ensure you’re ready. No question is not worth asking—if it’s on your mind, ask! No matter the oral surgery you receive, preparing for your procedure can contribute to an easier recovery. Don’t schedule your appointment for the surgery under the assumption that you won’t need to prepare yourself. Always follow the advice above to keep yourself comfortable and ready to navigate this challenging but beneficial experience.
