Preparing for oral surgery can feel overwhelming, but taking the right steps beforehand can significantly impact your overall experience. At Silegy OMFS, we understand the importance of a smooth, stress-free procedure and are here to help you every step of the way.
We want to share a few of our tips to help your oral surgery go as smoothly as possible, allowing you to focus on recovery and returning to your daily life with a healthy, confident smile. If you have any questions about preparing for your procedure, please give us a call. We can provide additional information about your concerns or preparations.
What to Expect During Your Consultation
Most dental practices will offer a consultation for any procedures their patients intend to have, as this can help determine whether someone is a good candidate for the treatment. Consultations also give dentists an idea of what should be done before and after a given procedure.
During your consultation, you should expect to go over your medical records, including surgical procedures, medications you are currently taking, lifestyle and living conditions, and any concerns you may have.
This is an excellent time to ask your dentist or surgeon any questions. Your provider will also let you know if you need to stop taking any medications or prepare in any way before your procedure at this point. They can also give you a rough recovery timeline, plans to speed up healing and reduce pain, and any risks you should be aware of during care.
Pre-Surgery Preparations
Your dentist or surgeon will often give you clear instructions about preparing for your surgery.
Avoiding Food and Medication
If you need to fast, they will tell you for how long and a few reasons why it’s essential to the success of your procedure. If you need to stop taking medications, they may tell you about any contraindications or risks. They may also recommend seeing a doctor to determine if an alternative medication is necessary.
Remove Accessories and Other Articles
Your dentist may ask you to remove your contact lenses, jewelry, dentures, and other articles of clothing before your procedure. If you wear any necessary medical devices, talk to your dentist about other preparations you should take. For ease of removal, it may be beneficial to wear glasses instead of contacts on the day of your procedure.
Makeup
We encourage you to avoid wearing excessive makeup, lipstick, and other makeup items on the day of your procedure. Makeup may make it difficult for your dentist to maintain a clean environment during your treatment.
Drugs and Alcohol
Depending on the procedure, your surgeon or dentist may suggest you avoid certain recreational substances. You may be asked to keep alcohol and drugs out of your system for up to 72 hours before your procedure, as well as some time after.
Transportation
You should make any transportation arrangements before the procedure. If you intend to take your car, you may need to plan to have a friend take you home and pick up your vehicle later. It may also be beneficial to ask loved ones to take you to your appointment.
Managing Anxiety and Stress
Tell your dentist beforehand if you are concerned about any part of the procedure. You can discuss sedation, local anesthesia, or non-waking options for your procedures.
You may feel less stressed if dressed comfortably, so talk to your dentist about clothing options. Some looser-fitting articles may not be appropriate for a given procedure.
Several other options may also help you reduce stress. Ask if you can bring a comfort item, have a loved one sit in the procedure room with you, or see if someone can stay in the waiting room during surgery.
Recovery Preparation
We suggest making your living space comfortable and accessible while you’re recovering. This may mean making foods ahead of time that will be soft and easy to eat, asking friends to come by with meals or activities, getting extra blankets, having extra OTC painkillers on hand, or rearranging furniture. These tasks will be easier to perform before surgery.
Silegy OMFS Provides Excellent Surgical Care for Dental Patients: Schedule a Consultation Today
At Silegy OMFS, we are committed to providing you with the highest standard of care and ensuring your oral surgery experience is as smooth and stress-free as possible. With over 25 years of experience in transforming smiles and a dedicated team focused on personalized care, we stand out as the premier choice for oral surgery in Long Beach.
Our commitment to excellence has earned us recognition as the Best of Long Beach for two consecutive years. Trust Silegy OMFS and Dr. Tim Silegy for your oral surgery needs and experience the difference that our dedicated team can make. Call us at (562) 496-1978 or visit our contact form to schedule your consultation.
