Talk to your oral surgeon before the procedure so you understand exactly what will be done. Find out how the procedure will affect your life afterward and make preparations.
For example, if you won't be able to chew for 3 weeks, stock up on soft foods like yogurt. Consider calling other dental offices for price estimates, or getting a second opinion from another oral surgeon.
Keep in mind that cheaper does not mean better, but you might discover that you can save some money, feel more comfortable with another surgeon or that you don't need surgery after all. Call your insurance company in advance.
Some surgeries and procedures need to be pre-approved before an insurance company will cover them. Make sure to call as early as possible.
Request a copy of your dental and medical records to present to your oral surgeon. He or she will likely ask for a full medical history, and having your records on hand will help streamline the procedure and ensure that you don't have any drug interactions.
Do not eat or drink for at least 6 hours before the procedure if you plan to be put under for the procedure. You will need a friend to drive you home as well because the anesthesia will make you feel groggy after you wake up.
The calmer you are, the easier your dental procedure will be in most cases. If you can't calm down, ask your surgeon for a stronger sedative prior to surgery.
Prepare your family for the surgery. Tell them what you are having fixed and how it will affect you afterwards.
Consult your employer before you have dental surgery. Some surgeries might have an effect on how you speak, so people with phone-based jobs should make other arrangements with their bosses or take more days off to recover completely.
Recovering from dental surgery can take from just a few days up to a few weeks depending on the procedure. Knowing what to expect and being prepared for aftercare will help you ease your anxiety about your procedure and recover faster.
Ask your surgeon for specific instructions on what you can and cannot do during your recovery time. Most doctors will give you a list of foods you can eat and instructions for cleaning the surgical site.
Fill your antibiotic or painkiller prescription immediately after surgery. Taking any prescribed medicine in its entirety is important to clear infections or minimize your discomfort.
Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen if you still experience pain. Eat only foods you can handle.
If you've had minor surgery, it is usually fine to chew your food on the opposite side from the surgical site. If you are not sure, eat soft foods like yogurt and mashed potatoes.
Check the surgical site for bleeding. If you have had a tooth extracted and are experiencing bleeding, place a piece of moist gauze or a moist tea bag over the empty socket and bite down firmly for 45 minutes.
Contact your surgeon if heavy bleeding occurs. After most oral surgeries, patients should not drink, smoke or chew tobacco.
All three activities can aggravate the surgical site. While sleeping, consider foregoing a pillow or try rolling your pillow and placing it under your neck to prevent undue stress on the surgical site.
Sleeping upright in a chair may also be a comfortable alternative for the first night. Don't expect you will return to your regular life right away after the procedure.
Some surgeries require bed rest, so plan to take some time off. Your surgeon's instructions are meant to help you heal properly, so be sure to follow them strictly.
Avoid hot liquids, sucking through a straw, rinsing, or spitting if you have had a tooth extracted. These actions can dislodge the blood clot and cause dry socket, a painful condition that can cause a foul mouth odor.
Author Resource:-
Ignacio Lopez has authored hundreds of articles relating to oral health and dentistry. He recommends Dental Implants Utah for dental implants. He has been a guest dental lecturer for over 15 years.
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