“I am really looking forward to my oral surgery,” said no one ever! Most normal people likely will have some anxiety. It is important that you take the time to properly prepare for what is to come.

Consult with your dental professional or oral surgeon to give you specific instructions, but here are some general tips to prepare for your oral surgery.

If you will be caring for someone having oral surgery these tips will be especially helpful.

Knowledge Is Key

Understanding what is going to happen can allay many unnecessary fears. Ask questions about the surgery: length of time, type of anesthesia, recovery time. Being informed can soothe even the most jittery patients.

Prior To Your Oral Surgery

Before your scheduled oral surgery be sure to follow these guidelines:

• Arrange for a driver to take you and transport you back home after your surgery.
• Brush and floss before your surgery.
• For most surgeries some fasting will be necessary. Unless you are diabetic, you should not eat or drink anything after midnight or eight hours prior to surgery. Depending on the type of surgery and anesthetic to be used this could be a shorter time.
• Upon the advice of your dentist or oral surgeon, take your normal medication with a sip of water. The exception is aspirin. If you take a daily low dose, be sure to clarify whether you should stop taking it and for how long.
• Choose to wear comfortable loose clothing. It is usually recommended that you not wear your contact lenses or any jewelry.
• No smoking.

Plan Ahead

Most oral surgeries are performed as outpatient procedures, so you will be returning home the same day. Plan ahead to have your home space ready. The first 48 hours will require you to rest in bed or in a reclining position. Have plenty of pillows available because you should not lay completely flat.

• It even helps to gather together magazines or other distractions as you recover, like your favourite TV shows or DVDs.
• Be sure you have stocked some soft foods like yogurt and soup. Avoid hot food or drinks for at least the first 24 hours. Since you may still be under the anesthetic, you could unintentionally burn your mouth. Do not use straws to drink liquids; the sucking could affect the healing.
• Avoid foods you must chew and those which are crunchy. Acidic drinks can cause gum irritation. Stick instead to drinks high in vitamins and minerals like protein drinks and mixes.
• Keep an ice pack handy. Check with your dentist, but usually it is recommended to use it for 15 minutes at a time for pain.
• Do not do any strenuous activity or exercise for several days.
• Avoid smoking as you recover.

These tips are simple guidelines to help you prepare for oral surgery and to ensure an uneventful recovery. Rely on your dentist or oral surgeon to provide specific instructions for your individual case.

Contact the professionals at Oakville Dental Place with any questions concerning your upcoming oral surgery or to make an appointment.