A surgical procedure performed in or around the patient’s mouth, jaw by a dental surgeon, is termed as oral surgery. Depending on the type of operation, the surgeon may use a general or local anesthetic. Like in the case of any other medical procedure, the patient undergoing oral surgery also needs a little bit of planning. Here’re some tips that can help in dental surgery preparation.
Different types of dental surgery
Tooth extraction, root canal, dental implant, gum graft, apicoectomy, cleft lip surgery, and other procedures related to the jaw, are some of the most commonly performed operations on an outpatient basis.
They help in alleviating pain, restoring dental functions, improving appearance, and treating infections as well. The time-frame for the surgery and its healing period varies from one procedure to the other.
Consultation with the dental care expert
Consultation round (preliminary appointment) is the first phase of treatment, except in case of an emergency dental surgery. During the initial meeting, the oral surgeon discusses the surgery details, the recovery period, and of course, the expected risks and benefits. No matter if the question seems silly; patients should clear their doubts while they are being given the rundown about the surgery.
The surgeon checks the patient’s medical history and the list of medications that he or she has been prescribed. The process is essential to avoid complications due to possible drug interactions pre and post the treatment.
Patients suffering from dental phobia or anxiety should use this opportunity to discuss their fear factors with the dentist. The dental office can make special arrangements for dental phobia therapist accordingly.
The surgeon may need to administer a local anaesthetic before the surgery to numb the area of the mouth that needs to be operated. If the patient has experienced an allergic reaction to anesthetic in the past, he or she must convey the same to the dental office. Alternatives to sedatives can be discussed and planned accordingly.
Most of the insurance covers take care of the majority of dental surgeries, except for the ones performed for cosmetic reasons. So, after confirming the type of surgery, medication, and the overall expenditure, it is advisable to check the insurer’s FAQs.
Pre-surgery instructions concerning eating and drinking
Avoid eating food items that are acidic or too spicy, at least a day before the surgery.
Alcoholic drinks are a strict no during the 24 hours before the surgery and at least seven days post-procedure. As far as the post-operative diet is concerned, the patient should avoid eating stuff that needs hard chewing. Food should be consumed after the effects of anesthesia wear off. Opt for soft-food like oatmeal. Drinking protein drinks post-surgery can ensure the body gets the necessary nutrition.
The dental office may prescribe post-surgery painkillers and other anti-biotic to ensure the patient feels comfortable.
Controlling the smoking habit remains crucial
The condition of gums and jawbone in longtime smokers is often found to be unhealthy. Thus, some surgeons refuse to operate such patients. Even minor wounds caused by tooth extraction need considerable time to heal.
Smoking negatively impacts the bone healing process, and the patient remains vulnerable to infection as well. Studies have also proved that the chances of failure in achieving the desired results post-surgery are higher in smokers.
Smokers are advised to avoid cigarette smoking and chewing tobacco products at least a week before the surgery. Procedures like dental implants need a healing period of 90 days, and the patient must not smoke during the osseointegration period. The urge to smoke can be controlled with daily exercises, a sufficient amount of sleep, and packets of chewing gums.
Let a friend or family member accompany the patient
Every advanced oral surgery involves the use of anaesthesia, and it impacts the person’s ability to function normally. The person may remain under the influence of the medication for 24 hours after being administered the same. Thus, even using public transit can prove to be risky.
Dentists advise patients to let a family member or a friend accompany them at the dental office and take them back home after the surgery. And of course, in case if the patient happens to be below 18 years of age, he or she must be accompanied by the guardian for the operation.
Do not hesitate to cancel
Patients prone to allergies should avoid undergoing oral surgery during allergy season unless it is too necessary to do so. Such individuals should inform the dental office about their condition in advance and consume the required oral antihistamine.
At times, surgeons end up cancelling the surgery as operating someone who is continually coughing; sneezing due to cold is not at all recommended. Such persons suffering from cold or fever may end up infecting others at the clinic.
Put simply, patients suffering from fever, muscle ache, sore throat, etc. should not hesitate to call the dental office and postpone the oral surgery.
The patient must follow all the pre-operative guidelines for avoiding last minute complications. Failing to take proper post-operation care can result in tooth misalignment, bleeding, dry socket, pain, nerve damage, and infection in the operated area.
Most of the oral care (dental) surgeries have a success rate of 98 per cent and above. However, choosing a reputed dental office for oral surgery is crucial. If you are searching for a trustworthy Oral Surgeon in Roswell GA, you should consider fixing an appointment with TruCare Dentistry.