Oral surgery can create a lot of stress for patients. Fortunately, anxiety leading up to and following surgery can be greatly reduced by doing a bit of planning and talking to your dentist. Preparing for surgery and your recovery can make the overall process less stressful and even aid in the healing process.
You can best prepare for oral surgery by asking your dentist questions about what you can expect. Arriving early gives you time to fill out any paperwork and relax beforehand.
For the best recovery possible, make sure that you get plenty of rest and follow your dentist’s oral hygiene instructions. Have plenty of ice on hand to reduce swelling and bruising. Keep an eye out for complications such as infection, and make sure to come back for follow-up appointments.
Oral Surgery in Powell, TN
At My Family Dentistry, you can rest assured you’re getting the highest quality of care. This is because Dr. Mullins isn’t just a dentist — he’s a trusted authority who trains other dentists himself. His combination of knowledge and care means that you will get the best treatment possible in a worry-free environment.
At our office, we walk you through the why and the science behind your oral surgery procedure. Our team values compassion, being hands-on, and being as gentle as possible. We talk through the procedure with you and provide comfort throughout the process. Through our post-surgery follow-ups, we let you know your treatment is important to us and that we go the extra mile with our care.
We offer a limited number of oral surgery procedures. Namely:
- Extractions
- Dental implants
- Gum grafting
These procedures don’t require sedation, meaning that you don’t have to be “put under” for them. However, it’s still important to know some basic guidelines when you come in for your oral surgery.
How to Get Ready for Oral Surgery
Getting ready for oral surgery is almost as important as the surgery itself. Not only will being prepared help your surgery go smoothly, but it can give you some much-needed peace of mind.
Know What to Expect
Asking our team how to prepare and what to expect is one of the best things you can do to prepare for your oral surgery appointment. Schedule time beforehand if necessary so you can understand the reasons for your surgery and how to get ready. Make sure to ask about the benefits and risks of surgery and bring a list of any questions you might have.
Arrive Early
It’s best to arrive at our office 20 minutes before your surgery is scheduled to take place. This allows you to take your time, fill out any last-minute paperwork, and provide any other information we may need. Being early also gives you an opportunity to relax before sitting in the doctor’s chair. This can help you mentally prepare yourself beforehand.
Click here to learn how My Family Dentistry in Powell, TN can help you overcome dental anxiety!
How to Recover from Oral Surgery
It’s important that you take recovery seriously to get the best results from your oral surgery. As with preparing for surgery, talk to Dr. Wes or Dr. Owen beforehand so you know how to best prepare. This can help make the recovery process more effective and go more smoothly.
Get Plenty of Rest
Get plenty of rest following your surgery and avoid anything that requires a lot of concentration. You should also avoid any strenuous activities that could loosen your blood clot and cause bleeding. Use extra pillows when sleeping to keep your head elevated.
Follow Oral Hygiene Instructions Carefully
Caring for your oral health can look different depending on the type of surgery you received. For instance, your oral tissue may be too tender for regular cleaning. On the other hand, all you may have to do is avoid a tender spot and clean the rest of your mouth normally. What’s important is to follow your dentist’s instructions to clean the area and prevent infection.
To read our blog on tips for protecting your tooth after a root canal, click here!
Have Ice On Hand
Have plenty of ice on hand to help fight facial swelling and bruises. This is perfectly normal and can last for two to three days. For the best results, spend the first 24 hours after surgery applying ice to the affected area every 30 minutes for 15 minutes. You can switch sides if both sides of your jaw were affected.
Stop Bleeding
It’s also normal to experience bleeding for a day or two after surgery. To help stop the flow of blood, bite down gently on some gauze. Contact us immediately if you experience heavy bleeding or bleeding that lasts for more than 24 hours.
Avoid Disturbing the Clot
The blood clot that forms after surgery is important for the healing process. To help keep it in place, avoid:
- Using straws
- Drinking alcohol
- Drinking carbonated drinks
- Smoking for at least three days after surgery
You should also avoid spitting since it can dislodge your blood clot.
Be Careful About What You Eat
You can also protect your clot by being mindful of what you eat. For instance, cool, soft foods are ideal after oral surgery. This includes foods such as:
- Instant oatmeal
- Yogurt
- Applesauce
However, you should avoid foods that are spicy, hot, crunchy, or chewy. This includes popcorn, steak, cookies, and alcohol.
Be Watchful for Problems
It is possible to experience problems after your oral surgery. Be watchful for complications lasting more than two days, including:
- Swelling
- Fever
- Infection
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
As with other complications, contact us immediately if you experience a rash, hives, itchy skin, or other symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Go to Your Followup Appointments
After your oral surgery in Powell, TN, you’ll need to make sure to return for your follow-ups. This gives our dentists the opportunity to make sure that everything is healing correctly, check for signs of complications, and make sure that you’re getting the desired results.
Are you in Powell, TN and require oral surgery? Contact us today to schedule your appointment!
The best way to prepare for oral surgery is to know what to expect. Talk to your dentist about what to expect during your procedure as well as how to get ready beforehand. This may include lining up a ride and fasting the night before.
You should also ask your dentist about how to best recover from surgery. They may have special instructions on how to clean your teeth until fully healed. Make sure to get plenty of rest afterward so your body can focus on healing. You should apply ice regularly to reduce swelling and bruising. Keep a lookout for complications and contact us immediately if you have any.
My Family Dentistry is open Monday through Thursday. Give us a call at (865) 947-6453 or you can schedule an appointment online.