Having surgery of any kind can be nerve-wracking and, especially, anxiety-inducing. However, you don’t have to go into oral surgery feeling unprepared and confused. By taking the proper precautions, doing your research, and following the advice of your physician carefully, you can feel empowered throughout the entire process.
Adequately preparing for surgery can reduce anxiousness and calm your nerves tenfold. It also helps to ensure that everything will go smoothly come surgery day and if there are bumps in the road, they will be dealt with swiftly and appropriately. If you or someone you know is going into oral surgery soon, below are some helpful tips to prepare for the big day.
Organize Proper Transportation
During your oral surgery/treatment, it is likely that anaesthesia will be administered to you in some form. This can make you feel tired, groggy, and possibly uncoordinated following the surgery. It’s a best and safe practice to retire your car keys for the day and have someone else (whether a friend or family member) drive you to and from your appointment.
On the plus side, they can also act as moral support and lend you a helping hand should you need one. If that isn’t an option and no one is around to give you a ride, plan on either using public transport or taking a cab back home. Remember, it’s dangerous to drive impaired, and certain types of sedation used in oral surgeries can make it extremely unsafe for you to operate your vehicle.
Following Dietary Rules
If you are going to be sedated during your surgery, your dentist will usually advise you to fast during the morning and night before your procedure. This is to help reduce the risk of complications during your treatment. Follow their guidelines and don’t eat or drink anything starting the night before your surgery. Also, don’t smoke right before your procedure or for 24 hours afterwards. If you forget and happen to eat or drink, your appointment may need to be rescheduled, which will further delay the entire process.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
No one wants to go into surgery feeling uncomfortable. When choosing your outfit for the big day, keep this sentiment in mind. Wear loose, comfortable, and baggy clothing that you can move around in without feeling restrained. If you can, avoid long-sleeved shirts, as an IV will usually need to be administered for sedation.
Arrive Early and Take Time to Relax
When things happen in a timely manner, you will feel more relaxed knowing that you don’t have to rush and that you have extra time to kill. Make whatever arrangements you can so that you are at least 15 minutes early for your appointment. You may need to fill out last-minute paperwork, so keep that in mind. It’s also a good habit in case you have questions the day of, or if your dentist requests something from you when you arrive. To keep everything moving smoothly, arrive on time and leave your home early.
Do Grocery Shopping Beforehand
After your oral surgery, you may be instructed by your dentist or surgeon to follow a particular diet for best results. This may include soft foods only until your mouth is properly healed. Prepare accordingly beforehand, so that you’re not left irritably hungry and scanning your pantry for soups the day after surgery. Pick healthy options during your shopping trip, and avoid spicy foods or foods that may irritate your mouth while it is still healing.
Get Quality Sleep
Good, quality sleep is one of the pillars of great health and longevity. It’s the difference between being ready to take on the day and being a hot mess. Remember to get a good night’s sleep right before your surgery so your body can be prepared and so you can go into the operating room feeling confident. This may mean heading to bed early the night before or taking some time off work to nap and rejuvenate.
Ask Questions and Do Your Research
One of the most important things you can do to be prepared for any surgery is to be informed of exactly what is happening before you enter the operating room. Make sure you’ve had a thorough conversation with your dentist or surgeon, and that you are well aware of what is needed from you and any risks or complications that could arise. After all, you can’t prepare for what you don’t know. Don’t be shy or embarrassed to ask questions; it’s very likely that your surgeon is prepared for any questions you may have and well equipped with the appropriate answers.
Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions
As with any surgery, following professional guidance is always a good course of action. Physicians, dentists, and surgeons hold the most knowledge about these procedures and what they entail, and are giving you instructions for a reason. If you don’t understand something that they tell you to do, make sure and clarify with them before undergoing treatment. Be upfront and honest with your surgeon, and be sure to disclose any medical history or health information that they ask of you.
If you’ve been dreaming of a big, beautiful smile with radiant teeth and gums, then you’ve come to the right place. Here at Bristol Dental, we offer dental services as well as cosmetic dentistry for that smile you’ve been dreaming of. For more information on oral surgery and dental treatments in Mississauga and the GTA, please call Bristol Dental at 905-712-3409 or contact us here. We are a dedicated and knowledgeable team of professionals who are ready and willing to help you ease into your oral surgery. We can help determine your dental needs and put you on track to a beautiful, healthy smile.
