No matter how excited and enthusiastic you are about your upcoming oral surgery appointment, it’s perfectly natural for you to feel some degree of anxiety and concern. After all, oral surgery requires the use of anesthesia, and there may be some discomfort once the anesthesia wears off.
At Dental Restorative Group, we believe that the more informed our Belmont patients are, the more comfortable they will feel throughout the whole process, and the better the outcome of the surgical procedure. For our patients in Belmont and Cambridge, and nearby areas in Massachusetts who have concerns about undergoing oral surgery, our staff is on hand to provide answers to all of their questions.
To help you prepare for the most comfortable experience possible before, during, and after oral surgery, here are some valuable tips and information to help you feel more informed and relaxed about the big day.
Quit Smoking – especially till you are healed.
Smoking negatively affects the healing process and can exacerbate bleeding. As soon as you decide to undergo oral surgery, Belmont patients must immediately commit to giving up smoking in order to ensure optimal results from your procedure. If not, there is a chance any open wounds can become infected, and can ultimately affect the healing and final result of your procedure.
Should You Stop Taking Certain Medications?
During your initial consultation, our doctor will ask you about any medications that you may be taking regularly. In some cases, you may need to suspend certain medications prior to the procedure. Belmont patients who take blood-thinning medications such as Plavix, Coumadin or Warfarin may be advised to suspend the medication for a few days prior to undergoing oral surgery. In cases where this is not advisable, your doctor may recommend a reduced dose of medication while you undergo the procedure. In any case, your physician and oral surgeon must jointly determine the safest approach.
Prepare Ahead for the Recovery Period
Depending on your specific procedure, you may need to spend a few days resting and recovering after your surgery. If needed, ask a friend or family member to be available to help you. Prepping food before your procedure can also be a great way to relieve some stress later on while in recovery.
Ice packs will come in handy to reduce swelling and alleviate discomfort in the days immediately following your surgery. Your surgeon may also prescribe antibiotics or other medications to help you get through the healing process.
After oral surgery, stick to a diet of soft foods for several days, and avoid hard, crunchy foods such as pretzels, popcorn, and nuts for several weeks following the procedure.
If you have questions about your upcoming oral surgery at Dental Restorative Group, feel free to contact our Belmont office at (617) 489-1470. Our team wants to make sure you feel comfortable the second you come in for your procedure, and we will take as much time need to discuss any of your concerns.
