If you have had problems with your teeth or gums, oral surgery may be required. You may be nervous about this procedure, especially if you have never had it done before. To deal with this situation, you can consider these helpful tips.
The Night Before
Prior to undergoing oral surgery in Greenville, make sure that you prepare yourself the night before the procedure. Go through a checklist in your head, making sure you have done everything possible for the next day of surgery. This includes making arrangements to be picked up and driven back to your house. The surgery may require some anesthesia and you don’t want to have to deal with the drowsy effects while driving on a busy road. See if a friend or a family member can come by and pick you up.
You will also need to fast before the night of surgery. This means not eating or drinking anything after midnight. Typically, these types of surgeries require you to fast for up to 8-12 hours, but it may depend on what type of oral surgery you are having.
Eating After Surgery
Another aspect to consider when you are operated on by a dentist in Greenville, SC is what you are going to eat after the surgery. Your teeth or gums may be extremely sore so you don’t want to eat something that is going to cause you further pain. This includes foods that are hard and sticky, such as pretzels or hard candy. Try eating only soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow.
It is also a good idea to stay away from food types that are hot, such as soup. That is because after surgery, your mouth and throat may be completely numb. You may burn yourself without even knowing it, which is detrimental once the numbing effects have worn off at the end of the day.
Consult with Your Dentist
If you are worried about the procedure and don’t know what it entails, go ahead and consult with your dentist. They can take you through the process, letting you know how long the recovery process is going to be. This gives you clear expectations before going into the operation. Side-effects will also be discussed so you know what the risks are.
If you are having an operation done on your teeth or gums, the tips above are important to consider. Following these tips make these procedures, and the time after, go smoothly so you don’t have to stress as much and you can recover more quickly afterwards.
Sources:
How to Prepare for Oral Surgery, dentistry.about.com
Being prepared for oral surgery, Humana.com
