Treatment Preparation
Oral surgery, whether minor or major, is much less stressful if you prepare for the pre surgery, surgery, and post-surgical phase of treatment. Preparation involves gaining knowledge about the procedure, what to expect before, during, and after and getting everything in place, such as prescriptions so that you can focus on recovering. Here we discuss how to prepare for dental procedures.
Ask Questions Before Dental Procedures
It is important to understand what to expect during and after your dental procedure. Most dentists are happy to talk with you about what the procedure is and what will happen during the procedure. Be sure to ask questions about what you should expect afterwards. Questions that should go on the top of your list include:
- Is there medication that I will need when I get home? If so, can I fill that prescription early?
- How much pain should I expect following the surgery and at home?
- Are there non-medication ways to reduce pain and if so, what do you recommend?
- What kind of foods can I eat immediately after the procedure and when can I go back to eating regular food?
- What happens if I need help after hours for pain management?
- Is there wound care or surgery site care for which I will need to prepare or buy supplies for at home?
- Will I have to change my regular medication schedule?
- Can I drive myself home from the surgery?
- When can I drive again following the surgery?
- Is there a follow-up appointment and what can I expect during and after that appointment?
The more information that you can find out about what to expect the better prepared you are to handle those needs. Before surgery, if possible, fill all of your prescriptions so that they are at home and available to you when you need them without having to go to a pharmacy, wait for the prescription to be filled, and then go home.
Line Up Transportation
Most dental procedures that require pain management also require that someone else drive you home. As such, it is important to line up a driver that can drive you to the appointment and then drive you home afterwards. It is also a good idea to have someone around who can run errands for you if you need. You might need a different type of medication, such a pain meds, after you get home or on the second day following the surgery. It is helpful to have someone available to help you so that you can focus on recovering.
Eating and Drinking Before Your Procedure
Plan A Post Surgical Diet
