Our Oral Surgeons Discuss Oral Surgery Prepping
Are you preparing for an oral surgery at Northern Texas Facial & Oral Surgery in Grapevine, Irving, or Keller? Perhaps you’re feeling nervous about your upcoming procedure, wondering how long it will take, what your recovery will look like afterward and how to avoid any unpleasant complications. Our oral surgeons are dedicated to ensuring your comfort during all procedures. To accommodate various patient needs, we provide several safe sedation options in our offices.
General Tips for Preparing for Oral Surgery
While we realize oral surgeries can be anxiety-inducing for many patients, we want you to know you’re in expert hands at Northern Texas Facial & Oral Surgery. Like many things in life, preparing for oral surgery and knowing what to expect can alleviate many of your fears. Here are a few general tips for preparing for your surgery at one of our offices:
- Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions – You’d be surprised by the number of patients who let their fear or anxiety get in the way of asking questions before a dental procedure. You should always feel comfortable discussing the details with your surgeon. We’re here to ensure you receive the best patient care possible, and we can’t do our job correctly if we don’t know how you’re feeling about that care. If there’s anything you’re unsure of, from preparing for the oral surgery to what to expect during your recovery, don’t hesitate to and let us know!
- Talk to Your Insurance Company – One of the most confusing things about preparing for oral surgery is navigating through the insurance and billing process. Our staff can assist with insurance claims, but sometimes it’s necessary for you to confirm coverage with your provider.
- Dress for Success – We recommend wearing short-sleeved, comfortable clothing on the day of your procedure, especially if we’re using IV sedation. Refrain from wearing jewelry or contact lenses or applying any makeup. As a common courtesy to our surgical team, we recommend avoiding wearing perfume or cologne and tying back your hair, so it’s not in the way.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Cancel – If you have flu like symptoms or even a common cold, don’t be afraid to call and reschedule. Help us avoid the spread of infectious diseases. When in doubt, always call!
- Follow Post-Op Instructions Carefully – Want to know the easiest way to avoid complications from oral surgery? Follow our post-op instructions carefully! We provide those for a reason. It’s our job to ensure your safety and prevent infection. Please view our Post-Op Instructions for general oral surgeries, sinus lifts, tooth extractions, wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, and more. You’ll find tips to ensure your recovery’s as quick and as comfortable as possible. These instructions include wound care, specific dietary or activity restrictions, and warning signs that something’s wrong and you should alert your surgeon.
Can I Eat or Smoke Before an Oral Surgery?
Two questions we get asked the most are whether or not you can eat or smoke before oral surgery. Generally speaking, if your surgery requires you to be sedated, you should fast for at least 8-12 hours before your procedure. You shouldn’t have anything to eat or drink, including water. If it’s a procedure requiring local anesthetic, you may be allowed to eat a light meal beforehand, but this should be discussed with your oral surgeon in advance. You should refrain from smoking for at least 12 hours before a procedure. You’re not usually allowed to smoke afterward for at least 24 hours. Again, this should be discussed in greater detail with your oral surgeon if you have any concerns.
Will I Need to Make Transportation Arrangements After Surgery?
First and foremost, it’s our goal to ensure our patients’ safety while providing treatment at Northern Texas Facial & Oral Surgery. If we use IV sedation or a general anesthesia to render you unconscious during your surgery, then yes, you’ll need to arrange for a ride home. We don’t recommend operating a vehicle or heavy machinery for at least 24 hours, and it’s also a good idea to have someone present to monitor your recovery during those first 24 hours. People react to sedatives differently, and it can take hours or even days for them to wear off completely.
Do You Still Have Questions or Concerns About Oral Surgery?
Do you still have questions or concerns about how to prepare for your oral surgery at Northern Texas Facial & Oral Surgery? You can view our post-operation instructions on our website or call one of our offices in Grapevine, Irving, or Keller and speak to someone on our staff directly. We’re here to help!
