Any surgical procedure carried out in or around the mouth and jaw is known as oral surgery. A trained oral surgeon near you performs it. You may require oral surgery after a dental trauma or if you have an impacted wisdom tooth. The surgery may involve repositioning your jaw, restoring a tooth or removing a tumor. Read on to find out how you can prepare for oral surgery.

Types of Oral Surgery

Common types of oral surgery procedures include:

  • Gum graft for treating gum disease
  • Impacted wisdom teeth extraction
  • Root canals
  • Dental implants
  • Maxillofacial surgery
  • Teeth and jaw repair after trauma

How Do You Prepare for Oral Surgery?

  • Carefully read and follow the given pre-operation instructions

The dentist in Monmouth Junction, NJ, will give you a list of instructions on what is expected of you before the surgery. Read the instructions carefully. Seek clarification from the dental specialist when you do not understand any instructions.

Follow all the given instructions to ensure that your surgery is successful. Fast for the recommended time before surgery and avoid the medications indicated. Visit the pharmacy for prescribed medicines to help with recovery. You can also buy the toothbrush and toothpaste suitable for maintaining oral care and hygiene as you recover.

  • Request a friend or family member for a ride

Inquire from your dentist about the type of anesthesia to be administered. Topical and local anesthetics differ in the kind of oral surgery you are having. Some types will inhibit your ability to drive. So, arrange for transportation back home after the procedure.

If you live alone, you may ask the same person to keep you company for a few days after the surgery. Depending on the type of oral surgery, it may take you a few days to be fully on your feet. The friend will take care of you to help speed up your recovery.

  • Do not smoke

Smoking may cause complications during the surgery and recovery period. In addition, it may increase your risk for infection, therefore, delaying healing. Smoking is not allowed at least 12 hours before oral surgery. After the procedure, if you must smoke, wait for a minimum of 24 hours.

  • Prepare your home

The day before your procedure, make sure that your home will be conducive to your recovery. Stock up on ice to help with the swelling after the process. Shop for soft and nutritious foods to eat as you recover. Chewy or crunchy foods are not recommended after the procedure. However, you can prepare and freeze foods, smoothies and soups because you may not feel up to doing much after the surgery.

Arrange a primary space where you will be comfortable as you recover. The dentists recommend raising your head when lying down after surgery to minimize bleeding. You can prepare your bed or a couch by setting up pillows to help you stay upright. Lining up some post-operation entertainment such as movies or music will help the recovery time seem shorter.

  • Bare your arms

On the day of the surgery, wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing. You may require IV sedation which is administered through the vein in your arm. Therefore ensure that you bare your arms by wearing short-sleeved clothes. Do not wear a favorite outfit as it may accidentally stain during the surgery.

Do not wear your contact lenses on this day. They may irritate your eyes which will be closed most of the time. Remove all jewelry. Tie back your hair for the procedure to keep it out of the way. Skip the makeup but carry some lip balm with you since your lips may be chapped during the course.

  • Give yourself time

Schedule your operation with the dentist in Monmouth Junction, NJ, when things have slowed down at work and home. Inform your boss or associates of the time of your treatment and recovery. They may give you time off or cover your share of work. It will give you time to rest and prepare for the surgery.

The day before your surgery, get a good night sleep. Resting well improves your mood and helps with recovery. Then, get to the dental clinic with some minutes to spare. This will give you time to finish any last-minute paperwork. After that, you can talk with the staff or walk around to familiarize yourself with the environment.

Contact us at Brunswick Smiles if you are seeking an oral surgeon near you. We understand that oral surgery is a significant experience for you. That is why we will help you prepare for the procedure to ensure that you are ready.