Oral surgery is a common treatment that can range from simple tooth extractions to more complex procedures like dental implants or jaw realignment. Whether it’s due to a dental emergency, a medical condition, or a planned treatment, oral surgery can be an essential step in ensuring your long-term oral health. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what you can expect before, during, and after your surgery, as well as provide you with a helpful preparation checklist to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Do I Really Need Oral Surgery?
People try to get out of oral surgery whenever possible, but there will be times when it’s unavoidable. For instance, you’ll need surgery if your tooth is damaged beyond repair, or if you’re missing your tooth entirely. You might also need to treat the beginning signs of gum disease before it gets worse. However, oral surgery is a safe and effective way to address these concerning dental issues and preserve your overall health.
Types of oral surgery you may need include:
- Tooth extractions
- Dental implants
- Gum surgery
- Cust or tumor removal
- Corrective jaw surgery
Your Oral Surgery Preparation Checklist:
Preparation is key to a successful oral surgery experience. You feel confident and ready for your procedure day if you take it one step at a time and condition yourself both mentally and physically. Follow this checklist for a smooth dental procedure:
1. Schedule a Consultation
Before the surgery, your oral surgeon will schedule a consultation to review your medical history, discuss the procedure, and take necessary X-rays or scans. This would be the time to be open and honest with your concerns and clear the air. A compassionate oral surgeon will help you relieve any stress you may be having surrounding your procedure and give you detailed explanations on why not to worry.
2. Follow Pre-Surgery Instructions
Your oral surgeon will provide specific instructions to follow in the days leading up to your surgery. Common instructions include:
- Fasting for several hours before the procedure.
- Possible changes to your medication schedule.
- Avoid smoking which can slow down the healing process.
3. Arrange Transportation
Since you’ll likely be sedated or under anesthesia during the surgery, you won’t be able to drive yourself home. Make sure to arrange for a family member, friend, or another trustworthy individual to take you to the surgery center and back home. For your safety, avoid walking home or taking public transit. Close supervision is needed to avoid preventable complications.
4. Understand Post-Op Care
Ask your oral surgeon about the most effective ways to manage pain, prepare soft foods, and carry out any other post-op care instructions that can help you recover faster and with greater success.
Preparing your home can make your recovery more comfortable. Make sure you have a quiet, comfortable space to relax. Make sure you have the following readily available:
- Soft foods
- Ice packs for swelling
- A pillow or headrest for elevation
- Pain medications
5. Schedule a Follow-Up Appointment
Your oral surgeon will likely schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery and ensure everything is healing as it should. These follow-ups are a critical part of your recovery process, so make sure to keep those appointments and keep track of any changes or issues you might notice after the surgery.
Will I Be Awake For Oral Surgery?
Oral surgery procedures vary depending on the type of surgery being performed, but all are often performed with either local anesthesia or sedation.
Local anesthesia numbs only the specific area of the mouth where the surgery will take place. You’ll be awake but won’t feel pain.
Mild sedation can be used to relax you during the procedure, though you’ll remain awake.
General anesthesia is reserved for more complex surgeries, during which you’ll be asleep throughout the procedure.
What to Expect After Your Oral Surgery (And What to Do)
The recovery phase requires just as much care as the moments leading up to and during the procedure. This is when you get to determine whether or not your oral surgery will truly be successful and if you’ll see the results you desire. Know what’s normal and what’s not so you can act accordingly:
What’s Normal after Oral Surgery
Many dental surgeries result in a bit of swelling and bleeding. This is completely normal and not cause for alarm as long as you take it easy while the symptoms go away. Your oral surgeon may prescribe pain medication or suggest over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine to help limit discomfort. Bleeding can slow down after biting down on some gauze and is only concerning if the bleeding doesn’t stop.
What’s Not Normal After Oral Surgery
One thing that can go wrong after surgery is an infection. The risk of infection after oral surgery is low, but you can identify the symptoms such as:
- Increased pain or swelling
- Fever-like symptoms or chills
- Pus coming out of the affected area
- Unpleasant odors coming from the mouth
Careful Instructions
For the best chance of success in recovery, your oral surgeon will suggest that you only eat soft foods until the area is fully healed. Examples of soft foods that are safe for consumption after oral surgery include:
- Mashed potatoes
- Gelatin or pudding
- Scrambled eggs
- Soup or chowder
- Smoothies with a spoon
If you are an active individual, your oral surgeon may also suggest that you take a break and avoid strenuous activity like intense cardio or heavy lifting to limit the chances of agitating the affected area during the healing process.
You’re In Good Hands When You See the Oral Surgeons at Smile Brite Dental!
Think you’re ready for oral surgery now? Smile Brite Dental is here to guide you through every step of your oral surgery journey with care, expertise, and a reassuring approach. For any oral surgery you need, our compassionate team aims to give you the most comfortable and stress-free experience for a healthy smile! Call 714-776-3535 to schedule a consultation appointment or to ask for more information.
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