Preparing for Dental Surgery: What You Need to Know

man leaning on mirror in a gym with fit body, abs and smilingFor many people looking good goes beyond having a fit body and healthy looking skin. A perfect smile is, for many, as important as well define abs or powerful quads, which is why many people who work out also get their teeth done. Dental surgery may seem like a long and stressful event for someone who’s never been through it, but most surgical procedures performed by dentists are non-complex, quick, and outpatient. Patients typically get back to their everyday lives within days, and the risk of complications is minimal if post-procedural guidelines are followed. Success in oral surgery is, however, massively dictated by how you prepare for the procedure. This article provides you with a few preparation tips for a more fruitful encounter with your oral surgeon.

The risks are low, but they’re there

Embracing a positive attitude going into surgery is imperative, but you need to know what lurks on the flipside to avoid disappointments. Common surgeries include prosthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and tooth extraction. Your dentist should give you a picture of what your surgery will entail, the expected downtime, and the prospect of complications relative to your oral and overall health status. This way, you will have realistic expectations and be able to spot oddities, including medical malpractice. If there are complications afterward that were not communicated to you, personal injury lawyers Tario & Associates can help you determine if there was negligence involved and file a medical malpractice claim for you, and most practices will have dental indemnity insurance to cover such issues.

You will need to change your post-surgery meal plan

After the surgery, you will mainly be consuming fluids until the pain and bleeding stop. Smoothies, yogurt, juices, and basically anything a toothless infant would eat should be on your menu. You might be advised to avoid foods that are too cold or hot and stay away from alcohol and cigarettes as they might interfere with the medication’s efficacy and draw out the healing process.


Eating before a dental surgery is discouraged

Eating or drinking a few hours before surgery puts you at risk for adverse effects such as aspiration and should be avoided at all costs. This is especially true if you are going to be put under general anesthesia during the procedure. For oral conscious, IV, or laughing gas sedation, the fasting recommendations might be more flexible.

You will be required to clean your mouth

Regardless of your teeth cleaning routine, it is advisable to brush and floss before your surgery. Undergoing operation with a clean mouth trims the risk of infection in tooth replacement and gum restoration procedures. You might also want to lay off the cigarette after cleaning and readying your mouth for the procedure.

You might need someone to drive you home

Most dental surgeries are outpatient procedures, meaning you will be out of the hospital shortly after the surgeon is done with you. However, due to the effects of anesthesia, you may not be able to drive yourself home. Make sure to come with a friend or family member to take over the driver’s seat on the return trip. It may also prove wise to have someone watch over you the first two or three nights.

A dental surgery will cause some distractions in your life, so you need to know what you are up against before committing. Hopefully, these tips help you brace up for your operation and avoid unnecessary surprises.

 

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