Dos and Don'ts Before Dental Surgery

If you’re having dental surgery in 75075, there are a few things you need to prioritize and take into consideration. Be sure to follow these steps when preparing for your big day!

How to Prepare for a Dental Surgery

Head to the Grocery Store

After your dental surgery, you have to expect that you’ll be going on a strict diet. Hence, make sure to pick up the right foods that will aid your recovery. Before going to the grocery store, research what food you want to consume in the first week of your healing process. Don’t hesitate to ask your dentist if you’re unsure!

It’s best that you stick to healthy beverages such as protein drinks, milk, tea, and water while you are recovering. You also have to buy soft foods during the first week to guarantee that the surgical site won’t be compromised. Likewise, you have to avoid spicy and acidic foods, as well as drinks with a straw. 

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Whether you’re preparing for an examination, a big pitch at the company, a game, or dental surgery, a good night’s sleep before the big day is important. 

Choose the Right Clothing

Being comfortable before, during, and after your surgery will help make your procedure as easy as it can be. Avoid wearing tight clothes and shirts with sleeves because some procedures will need your arm to be available for monitoring blood pressure and taking your vital signs. 

Fast

If anesthesia will be administered, your dentist will advise you not to eat or drink anything prior to the surgery. The reason for this is that patients can react to the anesthesia by vomiting the food they just ate. 

In case you need to take your medications, you can drink small amounts of water. However, it’s important that you tell your dentist what medications you’re currently using. They may ask you to temporarily stop taking them – even if just the morning of your appointment.

Arrive Early

Dentists and oral surgeons have their day scheduled. Since you’re not the only one being treated on that day, see to it that you arrive at your appointment around 15 minutes early. Aside from eliminating the chances of delaying your treatment and affecting those waiting next in line, being early will give you enough time to prepare. 

Also, there are times when last-minute paperwork is required, and some questions may be asked to make sure that there will be nothing that interferes with the treatment. 

Avoid Smoking

It is highly recommended that you should not smoke cigarettes for 24 hours before your dental surgery. Apart from slowing down your recovery process, smoking can alleviate the level of pain experienced at the surgical site. It’s also important to not consume alcohol within 48 hours of treatment or use recreational drugs for 14 days.

Ask a Family Member or Friend to Drive You Home

For as long as you are affected by the anesthesia, you will not be able to drive yourself home. Hence, make sure to ask a family member or friend to take you to and from the dental office. Calling a cab is another worthwhile option. You should not, under any circumstances, attempt to drive yourself home, even if you feel like you’re okay to do so.

Pick Up Medication Immediately After the Treatment

After the surgery, your body will require a complete recovery. It is not recommended that you leave the house a day or two after your surgery. With this, it is important that you pick up your medications in advance or allow someone to get them for you. 

Read Pre-Op Instructions

Before any surgery, whether it’s a minor or major surgery, reading the pre-op instructions is essential. These instructions will give you an idea regarding how the anesthesia will be administered and how you can prepare for the surgery. The pre-op instructions also include special guidelines that are predominantly relevant to your surgery.

Don't Be Shy to Ask Questions

The appointment before your big day is the ideal moment when you can ask your dentist questions that are bothering you regarding the surgery. If you have any doubts about the procedure, it’s important to let your dentist or oral surgeon know.

More Information About Dental Surgery in 75075

At Texas Oral Surgery Group, we want our patients to feel comfortable, confident, and well-informed before any treatment. If you have any questions about dental surgery, don’t shy away! Our helpful staff will provide you every detail there is to know.