If you are scheduled for, or are contemplating having, oral surgery, we know that the prospect can seem daunting. Nobody wants to have an area as sensitive as the mouth cut open. Fortunately, modern medical science and technology has made most oral surgery a relatively painless process, one that can be made fairly smooth with the right preparation. Affinity Dental is here with the steps you should take to properly prepare for oral surgery.
Talk to Your Dentist
It seems obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people avoid conversing with their dentists even when something as serious as surgery is on the line. Talk to them about the process, ask questions, we promise they don’t bite. Find out if there’s any medicine you’ll need afterwards, and make sure you’ve taken care of the prescriptions before the procedure. Schedule a ride to take you home afterwards and above all, talk about what makes you afraid or concerned about the surgery. Your dentist will almost certainly be able to help put these at ease.
Follow Pre-Surgery Instructions
It’s important to follow any guidelines your dentist suggests closely, especially if they’re administering any anesthetic. Typically, you can’t eat or drink for about 8 hours prior to oral surgery, although if local anesthetic is being used, you should probably have a small meal. Make sure you’ve brushed and flossed beforehand and, most importantly, do not smoke for at least 24 hours prior to the surgery.
What to Wear
It’s important to wear clothing that has short sleeves and fits comfortably. While your dentist will do their best to avoid any clothing staining, you may want to wear something you don’t care about getting a few spots on. Don’t wear contact lenses, and avoid putting on any makeup.
Plan Your Diet
What you eat after oral surgery is important. You’ll most likely need to stick to soft foods that don’t need a lot of chewing. You should also stay away from anything that’s highly acidic or spicy, which could cause irritation in your gums. DO NOT drink beverages after oral surgery using a straw, especially if you’ve had a tooth removed. This is caused when a protective blood clot, which usually forms when a tooth is removed, is dislodged and raw bone and nerve tissue is exposed, causing severe pain and potentially leading to an infection.
Need an Experienced Oral Surgeon?
Call Affinity Dental. Affinity Dental’s team of experienced and highly personable dentists have the technology and skill necessary to make oral surgery quick and painless. Affinity Dental is dedicated to providing Maryland with the best dental service and oral surgery practices in the state. We offer morning, evening, and weekend hours to accommodate our patients and provide access to care to fit your busy schedule. We’re trained and equipped to tackle any dental problem you have, from routine cleaning to advanced oral surgery.
Contact us by phone at 410-719-7900, or on our website.
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The idea of having a root canal or serious oral surgery and being able to see the tools going in and out of your mouth may not seem like the most appealing idea. Fortunately, we can offer tools such as sedation dentistry to help alleviate any anxiety or discomfort you may experience throughout a dental procedure.
