Preparing for Oral Surgery: Tips for a Smooth Procedure

Oral surgery treats issues involving the mouth, teeth, and jaws that a general dentist cannot address. Procedures often require anesthesia for comfort and range from simple tooth extractions to extensive treatments like dental implants. Preparing properly helps oral surgery go as smoothly as possible.

Why is Oral Surgery Needed?

Common reasons for oral surgery include:

• Removing impacted, damaged, or problematic teeth
• Extracting wisdom teeth
• Correcting the jawbone or bite alignment
• Treating injuries of the mouth and jaws
• Reconstructing areas due to disease or trauma
• Placing dental implants

While a primary care dentist handles some minor surgery, complex procedures require an oral surgeon’s years of specialty training.

Finding an Oral Surgeon

Look for an experienced board-certified oral surgeon to perform your procedure. Facilities like Sunset Point Dental – Clearwater offer general dentistry and specialty oral surgery services for patient convenience.

Ask your nearby dentist for a referral or search online for top-rated surgeons. Meet for a consultation to determine if you require surgery.

Tips to Prepare for Oral Surgery Day

Follow these guidelines leading up to your procedure:

• Arrange a ride home after surgery since you cannot drive due to sedation. Have someone stay with you for the first 24 hours.
• Take time off work or school to rest and heal properly after more involved procedures.
• Follow any special medication or fasting instructions from your surgeon. This may include adjusting diabetes, blood pressure, or anxiety medications.
• Wear comfortable, casual, loose-fitting clothes to your appointment.
• Brush and floss thoroughly the night before and the morning of surgery.
• Rest well before your surgery date. Good sleep and nutrition support healing.
• Relax and stay positive! Remind yourself it will be over quickly.

What to Expect During the Procedure?

The steps involved in oral surgery include:

• Anesthetic options ranging from local numbing to IV sedation for comfort and relaxation
• I am carefully exposing the surgical area after confirming the treatment plan.
• Precisely performing the planned procedure, often utilizing advanced tools like lasers.
• Controlling any bleeding and cleaning the surgical site
• Closing the area with sutures or leaving it open to heal naturally
• Providing detailed post-op instructions for recovery at home

The surgeon aims to complete treatment as efficiently and gently as possible.

Tips for Smooth Healing After Surgery

Follow all instructions from your oral surgeon in Clearwater, FL to help your mouth heal properly:

• Rest with minimal talking and physical activity for 48 hours.
• Use ice packs to control swelling and bruising.
• Take prescribed medications according to directions to manage pain and prevent infection.
• Eat soft, cool foods like yogurt, soup, and ice cream.
• Avoid spitting, swishing, or anything that disrupts the surgical area.
• Return promptly for follow-ups like suture removal.
• Call your surgeon with any worrisome symptoms like excessive bleeding.

Preparing for oral surgery physically and mentally helps everything go as smoothly as possible. Select an experienced oral surgeon you trust, like our credible and trusted dentistry, and follow their guidance for optimal recovery.

How Can an Oral Surgeon Help Beyond Surgery?

Oral surgeons offer additional services beyond surgical treatment. These include:

• Detailed, expert diagnoses of complex oral conditions
• Biopsies of suspicious lesions to test for oral cancer
• Corrective jaw surgery for TMJ disorders or misalignment
• Dental implant placement for tooth replacement
• Reconstruction after cancer surgery or trauma
• Treatment of cysts, tumors, and other pathologies

Take advantage of an oral surgeon’s specialized expertise if recommended by your dentist near you. Complex oral health issues often require an advanced level of knowledge and skill.

Understanding the Costs of Oral Surgery

The cost of oral surgery depends on the specific procedure needed and your insurance coverage. More complex treatments like bone grafting and facial reconstruction are more expensive.

During your consultation, the office can provide an accurate estimate based on your unique case. Many procedures, like wisdom tooth removal, are covered by dental insurance. Discuss payment plans if out-of-pocket costs are a concern.

Don’t let finances deter you from seeking treatment. Oral surgeons aim to provide the necessary care affordably. Your health is the priority.