When most people think of oral surgery, they think about the surgery itself and the recovery process. However, the days before the procedure are just as important. Proper preparation makes for a more successful surgery and an easier recovery. The good news is that getting ready for oral surgery is simple. It mainly involves avoiding a few things.
First, make sure to prepare for the postoperative period. Do not wait until the day of oral surgery — or worse, after the surgery — to get everything in order at home. Before the procedure, stock up on soft foods, over-the-counter pain medication (if the provider recommends), and ice packs or cold compresses. It can also help to take care of any household chores beforehand. That way, the patient can focus on resting when they get home.
Fasting is required before oral surgery to prevent any complications from general anesthesia. Recommendations vary. To be safe, do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before oral surgery. If the patient must take medication, a small sip of water may be okay. Ask the oral surgeon for individualized advice. However, patients will not need to fast if they are only getting local anesthesia and laughing gas (nitrous oxide).
Similar to avoiding fasting at least 24 hours before the procedure, patients should refrain from smoking tobacco or drinking alcohol, no matter what type of anesthesia the patient will get. Both tobacco and alcohol increase blood flow, increasing the risk of complications with anesthesia and the procedure itself. For good measure, abstain from these substances for a few days.
Alcohol and tobacco also slow down the healing process. After oral surgery, try to go as long as possible without them. If possible, wait until the surgical site has healed completely.
If the patient is under general anesthesia, they cannot operate heavy machinery for at least 24 hours following the surgery. That means they must have someone to drive them home from the oral surgeon’s office. Do not wait until the day of the surgery to find a ride. Although awake, the patient will still be very much under the effects of general anesthesia.
Also, note that the driver will likely need to stop by the patient’s pharmacy to pick up any pain medication or antibiotics the oral surgeon prescribes. For these reasons, using a rideshare app is not recommended. Instead, find a loved one the patient can trust to be their driver ahead of time, giving them plenty of time to make room in their schedule.
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Preparing for oral surgery is easy when you give yourself enough time. For more information and tips on what to avoid before the procedure, call our Norwalk office. We do everything we can to make the entire process a smooth one.
Request an appointment or call Premier Oral Surgery at 203-945-0049 for an appointment in our Norwalk office.
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