It’s always best to be prepared - Get your medication ready early!

You probably won’t be in any position to pick up the medicines you need after you undergo the surgery. So, it is always recommended that you ask your dentist for a list of prescribed medicines and get them before the surgery, so that you won’t have to suffer through the pain without a little medicated help.

See to your transportation and care

While you are in surgery, you will be under some sort of anesthetic and it will be extremely difficult to do most things on your own. For example, you will not be able to drive a vehicle for at least 24 hours after your surgery and it is suggested that you find a responsible friend or family member to drive you to and fro. 

No smoking, eating or drinking before the surgery

The general rule is to not eat for eight hours before the surgery. Also, you aren’t supposed to smoke for at least 12 hours prior to the surgery. You should brush and floss your teeth as usual before heading to your dentist’s office.

Wear comfortable clothing

Make sure that you wear comfortable clothes and nothing too tight and ill fitting. Wear slightly old clothes because after the surgery, the clothes which you wear will most probably get ruined. No jewelry should be worn because it gets in the way during surgery. Wearing makeup is futile.

Plan your diet for after the surgery

What you eat after the oral surgery is quite important. You must avoid spicy or acidic food and should only pick soft foods which require minimal chewing on your part. You can opt for healthy drinks like tea and milk and protein shakes.

Adjust your living quarters to your comfort

Your recovery depends on how well you rest. This has always been a crucial point. So, if you’re planning to recuperate mainly from the comfort of your bed, you should buy some throw pillows, a comfortable footstool, a collection of robes and several magazines, puzzles or books to keep yourself busy.

Make sure you are well prepared for the ‘night before’ and the ‘day of’ part of the process.

Do your research, gather as much information from your dentist as you can and prepare checklists for both days. The more prepared you are, the easier things will be for you. Pay special attention to what you can eat and drink and prior to the surgery and how long a break you have to keep in between.

Follow certain pre-surgery procedures

Depending on your surgery, you will need IV sedation or maybe a general anesthetic. You are required to not eat food, eight hours before the oral surgery. You also can’t smoke 12 hours before the event.

Ensure your sleeping area is comfortable

Adopt the most comfortable sleeping position, so as to not put pressure on the area operated on. Remember resting and sleeping is the best way to let your body heal after a surgery and the same applies to a dental surgery. 

How much recovery time is required after the surgery?

After the surgery you need some time to recuperate. It takes about 48 hours for any discomfort to fully go away. You have to rest as much as possible and stay in bed too. Stay away from any strenuous physical activities.

These are the things you need to remember and prepare before you head out for an oral surgery. Your dentist should give you these instructions prior to the surgery. Just make sure you follow them to the T. If your dentist’s office doesn’t give you instructions, it is time to put off the surgery and find a new dentist. So, are you ready for your dental surgery?