Is Oral Surgery Safe and How?
Do your wisdom teeth are impacted? Getting an oral surgery treatment is a great option. The procedure can be intimidating for most people, mainly when it involves anesthesia.
Oral anesthesia is completely safe. It helps to cure the anxiety and pain associated with the treatment. But, anesthesia can cause an adverse reaction in individuals with certain allergies or medical conditions.
Read below to find essential information about oral surgery.
What is Oral Surgery?
Oral surgery is a surgical treatment done in or around the jaw or mouth. It can be performed by different dental specialists, such as periodontists, prosthodontists, and endodontists.
The most common jaw and teeth surgeries include:
- Root canal.
- Impacted wisdom teeth.
- Maxillofacial surgery.
- Gum Grafting.
- Teeth and jaw repair after an injury.
- Dental implants.
Precautions Before and After Oral Surgery
Below are the preventive measures to follow before and after the surgery:
Before
- Take Medicine in Advance
Visit the pharmacy before your oral surgery to get the medication you need during the recovery.
- Have Fast
The dental expert will advise you to avoid drinking and eating for a minimum of 8 hours before the treatment. It’s mainly in the case of anesthesia.
Just have a tiny sip of water if you need to take the necessary medicine. It will help you avoid the risk of aspiration during oral surgery.
- Avoid Alcohol and Use of Tobacco Products
Do not take alcohol or smoke for a minimum of 12 hours before the procedure.
- Have a Relaxed Sleep
Before the oral surgery starts, getting a good night’s sleep is essential. You can ask your dentist to give tips about the sleeping position required to avoid pressure on the treated area of the mouth.
- Take Help from a Friend or Family Member to Help You Drive on
Make sure you ask someone to go with you and bring you back home after the treatment.
It’s because after the dentist applies anesthesia, you are not in a position to drive a vehicle or reach home yourself.
- Wear Appropriate Clothes
Your doctor will ask you to wear comfortable clothes. Therefore, make sure you avoid choosing shirts with sleeves.
- Arrive Early at the Dental Office
Reach 20 minutes early at your office. It will help you fulfill the desired paperwork and ask the question you have in your mind.
- Stay Informed
Understand the advantages and risks of the procedure before your appointment. The dentist or oral surgeon will explain everything you need.
After
- Skip Heavy Activities for a Minimum of 2 Days
Skip visiting the gym or doing strenuous activities for a minimum of two weeks. Doing this can increase the heart rate and result in discomfort.
The dental professional will suggest when it is safe to resume your standard routine.
- Keep the Treated Area Clean
Wash the treated site using an antimicrobial mouthwash twice or thrice a day. Make sure you gently floss and brush other remaining areas in your mouth.
- Take All the Required Medicines
It is essential to take the prescribed pain medicines and antibiotics as suggested by the dentist. They will help you manage the discomfort after the oral surgery.
- Choose the Right Foods
Go to your nearby grocery store and grab the right foods that help to recover faster after oral surgery.
For the first few days, the dentist will advise you to stick to soft foods and healthy drinks like milk, tea, protein drinks, apple sauce, pasta, rice, eggs, etc.
You must also say “no” to spicy, crunchy, and acidic foods or anything that requires the use of a straw.
It’s because straw can dislodge the blood clots and result in dry sockets. So, after oral surgery, make sure you follow a strict diet.
- Prefer a Cool Treat
Taking cool foods like ice creams, milkshakes, or popsicles can help you soothe the surgical region.
How Long Does Oral Surgery Take?
The length of the surgery relies on numerous factors like the number of teeth to be treated, the type of oral surgery, and whether or not you should pick sedation.
A complex oral surgery usually takes 2 to 3 hours, and simple surgery can take half an hour.
If you have any other queries about the oral surgery or recovery, feel free to ask the dentist in Poway, CA, at Heavenly Smiles Dentist today.