It’s completely normal to feel a bit nervous about your upcoming oral surgery. The best way to ease your anxiety, however, is to ask questions and feel prepared for the big day. To put some of your fears to rest, check out some of these five tips your surgeon would want you to know before your operation.
1. It is important to prepare for your consultation.
During your consultation, your surgeon will explain what you can expect from your surgery, take your medical history, and provide you with instructions to follow before and after your operation. This is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions you might have and ultimately calm your nerves about the procedure. Therefore, before coming into your consultation, make sure you write down a list of questions you might want to ask your surgeon before the big day.
2. If you know you’re going to need oral surgery, be prepared to quit smoking.
In addition to being harmful to your overall health, using tobacco products can also interfere with your recovery process. For starters, smoking cigarettes impacts your immune system and makes you more prone to infection. Secondly, the sucking motion of smoking a cigarette can cause dry socket—a painful condition in which the blood clot in the surgical site gets dislodged and exposes the wound. Therefore, if you know you have an oral surgery coming up, it is important to start cutting back on cigarettes now and even purchase nicotine patches, if needed.
3. You’ll need a friend or family member to help you after the surgery.
After your operation, you’ll need to have a friend or family member to help you throughout the recovery process. First, you will need to arrange a friend to drive you home after the surgery, as you might experience lasting effects from the general anesthetic. Once you’re home, your family member or friend should keep an eye on you—calling the doctor in case of any complications, taking care of children or pets, and even keeping track of the medication you need to be taking.
4. Be sure to follow the pre-op and post-op instructions very carefully.
Following your oral surgeon’s instructions carefully is the best way to ensure a stress-free operation and a speedy recovery. Make sure you read the instructions a few days before the appointment, as they may indicate that you’ll need to fast the night before your operation. Your diet will be slightly different after the surgery as well, as you’ll need to avoid solid foods for a few days and avoid using a straw. It is also important to take your pain medications as prescribed in order to manage your symptoms throughout your recovery.
5. Take some time to prepare your home prior to your appointment.
When you’re recovering from your surgery, the last thing you’ll want to do is run to the grocery store to buy soft foods. Therefore, a few days prior to your surgery, take a minute to prepare your house for your recovery. Buy soft foods like yogurt and smoothie ingredients. Change your bed linens to your less expensive, even expendable set, as there’s a possibility they could get stained. Put anything you’ll need next to your nightstand—including movies, pain medication, hot packs, and water—so you can rest and relax while the anesthesia wears off.
If you have questions about your upcoming surgery, or would like to schedule a consultation appointment, call Oak Park Dental Group today!