5 Tips For Preparing For Your Oral Surgery

If you have an upcoming oral surgery, such as a wisdom tooth extraction, then you might be feeling pretty nervous about your upcoming procedure. Ensuring that you're properly prepared for your procedure can help, so remember these five tips. If you follow them before your surgery, you can help ensure that you things go as smoothly as possible.

1. Find a Driver

You're probably going to be nervous on the way to your surgery, and there is a chance that you'll be drowsy and "out of it" afterward. This means that you will need to find a driver or secure another type of transportation -- such as a taxi -- so that you won't be driving. Go ahead and make plans for this beforehand so that you aren't stuck without a ride at the last minute.

2. Avoid Eating

If you are going to be going under anesthesia, then you will probably have to avoid eating for at least several hours before your surgery. Make sure that you ask your oral surgeon about this if it hasn't already been mentioned to you; otherwise, you could jeopardize the effectiveness of the anesthesia.

3. Plan on Not Smoking

If you are a smoker, it's best to quit completely before your oral surgery. Otherwise, you may need to plan to pick up nicotine patches to help get you through the period after your surgery. The sucking motion of smoking can harm your mouth when it's still healing, so you will be advised not to smoke for at least several days after your procedure.

4. Stock Up on Soft Foods

There is a good chance that you will feel some discomfort and pain after your surgery, and you probably won't be able to eat the same things that you usually do. You probably won't feel like doing a lot of grocery shopping either, so it's a good idea to stock up on soft foods before your procedure. Yogurt, mashed potatoes, pudding, jello, applesauce and soup are all good options.

5. Prepare to Spend a Lot of Time in Bed

You will probably be spending a lot of time in bed for the first few days after your procedure, so make sure that you're ready. Wash your sheets, and make your bed up with comfortable blankets and pillows. Also, consider moving a television into your bedroom, or stock up on good books and magazines to thumb through. You probably won't feel like doing much, so it's important to ensure that you'll be as comfortable as possible while in your bed.

Facing oral surgery can be troublesome, but ensuring that you're properly prepared can help make things easier. Remember these five tips, and you'll be as ready as possible for your procedure. If you're looking for a reputable oral surgeon in your area, visit Kenai Dental Clinic.

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