There are many reasons why you may need to get oral surgery. Perhaps you have extensive tooth decay, have badly broken teeth, or need to get a bone graft done in your jaw. No matter your reason, you must book an appointment with your dental surgeon and get to work. But like any surgery, before you get prepared and escorted for surgery, you need to mind certain factors that influence the outcome of your procedure.
These include ensuring you’re working with a reliable dentist, understanding what the surgery is for, and making the necessary arrangements to ensure you safely get the treatment you need. Hence before you get wheeled into surgery, make sure you visit the following factors:
1. Work Only With A Reputable Surgeon
When you experience a toothache or pain anywhere in your oral region, you may be tempted to book the first available dentist and get your mouth looked at. While it’s good to go in and get treated early, not choosing your dental practitioner selectively is not a smart idea on your part. Reputable dental practitioners are excellent at their job. They not only identify the problem but carefully evaluate your condition.
So if you need an elaborate procedure like surgery, they can operate on your mouth immediately. A professional surgeon will ensure the process is carried out as neatly as possible. This involves fewer incisions, stitches, and, as a result, painless swelling. You don’t want a frantic surgeon who may botch up your teeth and cause you accidental injuries like accidentally slicing your tongue or working on the wrong tooth.
According to the South Carolina Dental Association, there are about 2,000 functional dentists, from which you can quickly locate Expert oral surgeons in Greenville, SC, and book your appointment. A qualified surgeon will also not keep you in the dark about your procedure, will explain each step comprehensively, and will prepare for the surgery to provide you instant relief.
2. Pay Attention To Your Pre Operations Instructions
Your dentist will provide you with a list of instructions that you need to follow before you have your surgery. These instructions aim to ensure that your health is in ideal condition to put you under anesthetic and perform the procedure.
Surgeries can put your body in distress. You’re exposed to numerous medications at one time that you may not be used to, and this can lead to unpleasant side effects. In addition, your dentist may ask you to fast for twelve hours before your surgery, which includes no eating or drinking before the treatment.
This subsides the risk of aspiration and prevents the contents of your stomach from entering your lungs. Even though the chance of this happening is diminutive, it’s best to keep you safe from all sorts of complications that can occur along the way. Depending on your physical well-being, including chronic illnesses, your dentist will walk you through your pre-operation guidelines.
3. Arrange For Food and Medication Before Hand
It would help if you had everything you would need close to you before your surgery. Once you have your procedure, you may be in far too much pain or on high-dosage painkillers, making it difficult for you to move around. Most dentists also recommend resting after surgery to allow your mouth to heal so you make a full recovery. Furthermore, you must take your medication on time to prevent the surgical wound from getting infected and ensure it heals according to the prescribed timeline. Likewise, following surgery, your diet will need slight modification.
You may need to stick to certain soft foods like yogurt, ice cream, or soup that give you the nutrition you need without putting your mouth under further stress. This is because you cannot eat hard or crunchy meals for at least six weeks after your surgery since it can injure your gums. If your mouth is sensitive, you’ll need to arrange for food that you can store at room temperature so that you don’t risk burning yourself as you eat. The same goes for any beverage you plan on drinking, as your mouth may be too numb to pick up the temperature of your meal, resulting in more injuries.
4. Always Show Up Early
Ensure you arrive at least twenty to thirty minutes before your scheduled time. This allows you to save yourself from getting stressed and lets you handle any last-minute paperwork you may have missed. In addition, if you have any questions or concerns, going in early allows you to meet your dentist and consult with them. No matter how minor your surgery may be, it can make you anxious and panicky. Hence, early arrival and meeting with the staff can help you feel prepared for the procedure.
5. Travel with A Family or A Friend
Following your surgery, the anesthesia in your system will prevent you from driving. Not only will your judgment be cloudy, but you may also be slightly disoriented about going behind the wheel. Therefore, you must ask a friend or family member to drive you to the appointment and bring you home safely. Driving while intoxicated or under the influence of medication is risky and harmful to the people around you. If your loved ones aren’t available that day, you’ll need to stay longer in the clinic and wait for the medication to wear off before you can avail of services like a taxi or an Uber.
Conclusion
Getting oral surgery can be a painful process. If you’re suffering from extensive tooth or gum damage, you may have no choice but to get wheeled in for a surgical procedure. But before you book your appointment, you must ensure that you’re ready for oral surgery. To begin with, always work with a well-reputed and qualified dentist who can provide you with an accurate diagnosis of your oral health and guide you on the details of your procedure.
Once you get your instructions on preparing for surgery, follow all the guidelines to the T to minimize the risk of getting harmed during the process. Try and get all your essential groceries and medications before your surgery, so you only focus on recouping when you’re home. Lastly, never drive with the effects of anesthesia still fresh in your system, as it is hazardous to you and those around you.