Updated November 5, 2019

Oral surgery, including the extraction of troublesome teeth such as wisdom teeth, can provide excellent relief and health benefits. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your oral surgery procedure.

1. Ask questions

Make sure when preparing for your oral surgery to ask questions of your Houston dentist or oral surgeon who will perform the procedure. Oral surgery, including the removal of teeth, is safe and routine. But it is a serious enough procedure that you should not take it lightly as there are many important things to consider when preparing for tooth extraction including the sedation dentist that you choose.

2. Organize transportation

If you are undergoing any type of anesthesia other than local anesthetic, you will need someone to drive you after the procedure, or otherwise help you with transportation. Even on the way there, you may be hungry from not having eaten since the night before and possibly be distracted by your upcoming procedure. It is best if you can have someone both take you to your appointment and be there when you come out of it to take you home or help you run errands like picking up medications.

3. Can I eat before tooth extraction or other oral surgeries?

Make sure you are clear on the rules about when you can eat or drink before your oral surgery. These rules are primarily concerned with the type of anesthesia you will be receiving during the procedure. If you go under general anesthesia or intravenous (IV) sedation, you will most likely be instructed not to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your scheduled procedure the next morning. If your procedure takes place very late in the day, you may be allowed to have a light snack first thing in the morning, but in all cases follow the advice of your oral surgeon’s office. Remember also to get some soft, bland foods to eat afterward while you are recovering.

4. Wear comfortable clothing

You will be lying down so wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes and practical shoes. If you wear contact lenses, you should take them out and use your glasses instead, as you will have your eyes shut while you are out during the procedure.

5. Medications and aftercare

After oral surgery, pain management can be needed. Your oral surgeon’s office will give you the prescriptions you need to manage pain after your procedure. If you have a problem with your pain medication, contact your oral surgeon’s office about it. Some people are allergic to certain pain medications, and there are alternatives available.

To discuss your need for sedation dentistry, contact Medical Center Dental Group today to schedule an appointment.

 

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