We all know that getting oral surgery can be a stressful experience. There are lots of things to remember and coordinate, on top of finding the right oral surgeon in Ottawa, and, you know, actually getting the surgery done. That’s why Seller & Brown Dentistry decided to put together a handy guide for preparing to get oral surgery. By following our advice, you can be sure that your oral surgery will go as smoothly as possible.
1. Understand and follow all pre-surgery instructions and directions
If you are unclear about any of the pre-op restrictions or instructions you were given by your dentist, be sure to call them well in advance of the surgery to make sure you understand what you can and cannot do. If the surgery requires general anesthesia, you’ll typically have to fast for 6-8 hours beforehand. It’s also very important not to smoke for at least 12 hours before surgery and at least 24 hours afterwards. Whatever the case: be sure that you follow whatever specific instructions provided by your personal dentist.
2. Get your medication beforehand
After surgery, all you’ll want to do (and it’s all you should do) is go home and rest. You don’t want to be running around or stressing out about filling a prescription. Get your meds beforehand and leave them on your bedside table. You’ll be glad you did.
3. Pick up your (surgeon approved) post-op food and drink
Generally speaking, oral surgeons recommend using your teeth as little as possible after getting surgery. You’ll want to drink lots of water, eat softer foods, and avoid using straws. If you’re unsure of what is or isn’t allowed, contact your dentist to make sure you have the right post- surgery snacks available to munch on as you recover.
4. Prepare your recovery bed
Many people don’t consider this, but quickly preparing your recovery area before surgery will ensure that you can just get home and rest. Be sure to have lots of pillows and blankets, that the TV remote and meds are within reach, that you have a garbage can, and that you have easy access to both a glass of water and (surgery-appropriate) snacks.
5. Arrange transportation to and from surgery — and confirm the day before
As you’re probably aware, you will be in no condition to drive after getting oral surgery. Be sure to arrange a ride to and from surgery, and then double check with your driver the day before. The last thing you want is someone forgetting they were supposed to pick you up.
6. Wear comfortable clothing
You may be in that dentist chair for a while. It’s best to wear loose-fitting and comfortable clothing for any oral surgery procedure.
7. Arrive 15-20 minutes early
The last thing you need is to be stressed out about being late right before getting oral surgery. Arriving early will allow you to fill out any last minute paperwork and take a minute to relax beforehand. It will also give you the chance to ask any last minute questions of your oral surgeon or nurse.
And there it is! Seller & Brown Dentistry’s seven steps to a less stressful oral surgery experience.
1. Understand and follow all pre-surgery instructions and directions
If you are unclear about any of the pre-op restrictions or instructions you were given by your dentist, be sure to call them well in advance of the surgery to make sure you understand what you can and cannot do. If the surgery requires general anesthesia, you’ll typically have to fast for 6-8 hours beforehand. It’s also very important not to smoke for at least 12 hours before surgery and at least 24 hours afterwards. Whatever the case: be sure that you follow whatever specific instructions provided by your personal dentist.
2. Get your medication beforehand
After surgery, all you’ll want to do (and it’s all you should do) is go home and rest. You don’t want to be running around or stressing out about filling a prescription. Get your meds beforehand and leave them on your bedside table. You’ll be glad you did.
3. Pick up your (surgeon approved) post-op food and drink
Generally speaking, oral surgeons recommend using your teeth as little as possible after getting surgery. You’ll want to drink lots of water, eat softer foods, and avoid using straws. If you’re unsure of what is or isn’t allowed, contact your dentist to make sure you have the right post- surgery snacks available to munch on as you recover.
4. Prepare your recovery bed
Many people don’t consider this, but quickly preparing your recovery area before surgery will ensure that you can just get home and rest. Be sure to have lots of pillows and blankets, that the TV remote and meds are within reach, that you have a garbage can, and that you have easy access to both a glass of water and (surgery-appropriate) snacks.
5. Arrange transportation to and from surgery — and confirm the day before
As you’re probably aware, you will be in no condition to drive after getting oral surgery. Be sure to arrange a ride to and from surgery, and then double check with your driver the day before. The last thing you want is someone forgetting they were supposed to pick you up.
6. Wear comfortable clothing
You may be in that dentist chair for a while. It’s best to wear loose-fitting and comfortable clothing for any oral surgery procedure.
7. Arrive 15-20 minutes early
The last thing you need is to be stressed out about being late right before getting oral surgery. Arriving early will allow you to fill out any last minute paperwork and take a minute to relax beforehand. It will also give you the chance to ask any last minute questions of your oral surgeon or nurse.
And there it is! Seller & Brown Dentistry’s seven steps to a less stressful oral surgery experience.
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