Preparing for Your Oral Surgery

If you have oral surgery scheduled, you may be feeling a bit nervous. This is a common concern we hear from our patients, stemming largely from a fear of the unknown.

Rest assured that you will be in good hands. And remember, the more informed and prepared you are for your procedure, the less anxiety you will have.

We fully prepare our oral surgery patients for a smooth recovery as well, by providing a comprehensive aftercare plan. Below are a few key steps you can take to ensure that all goes well.

Make Arrangements in Advance for Your Oral Surgery Aftercare

Most oral surgery procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, requiring no overnight hospital stay. In fact, we perform many procedures in our state-of-the-art northern Utah office locations.

You’ll be able to return home shortly after the procedure, but depending upon the type of anesthesia we use, you may not be able to drive yourself.

For your safety, we require you to have someone accompany you to the appointment, to ensure you get back home safely. In those rare cases where this isn’t required, consider bringing a friend or relative anyway, as you may feel weak or sleepy after the procedure.

If you are prescribed any medications to take after your oral surgery, fill them in advance or make arrangements for someone to pick them up for you. That way, your medications will be ready for you when you need them.

After all, you probably will want to avoid any extra stops on the way home.

Prepare Your Oral Surgery Recovery Space and Special Diet

When you return home after surgery, you need a comfortable place to rest, and we suggest that our patients prepare the space ahead of time.

It may be difficult to sleep on your side, and you won’t be able to sleep flat on your back, so have plenty of pillows available for support as you recline. Having your tablet or e-reader, a couple of magazines or the TV remote nearby will help pass the time as you recover.

After your procedure, you likely will require a soft diet for a few days, until you have adequately healed. Our treatment team will explain your specific requirements and provide a list of recommended foods.

In general, however, crunchy and chewy foods should be avoided, and you’ll need to refrain from eating or drinking anything that is too spicy or acidic. Depending upon what you have in your kitchen, you may need to stop by a grocery store before your procedure to stock up on your favorite (soft) comfort foods.

Nutritional drinks, soups, hot cereals, pureed fruits and yogurt or other dairy products are all good, soft-food-diet choices. Take care to avoid anything overly hot or cold, and don’t drink through a straw until the doctor tells you it’s safe.

The Day before Your Oral Surgery

Our office will provide you with specific pre-surgery instructions, and it’s critical that you follow them exactly.

You may be required to fast, avoiding both food and water, for several hours before the procedure. Your oral surgeon also may ask you to refrain from smoking the night before and day of your appointment.

If you regularly take any over-the-counter or prescription medications, be sure to let us know well ahead of time. That way, the surgeon can tell you which ones are safe to take before your surgery and which ones you must discontinue.

Some medications can promote excessive bleeding or cause an adverse reaction with anesthesia.

Preparing in advance can help guide you through a smooth and speedy recovery. We are always available to answer your questions or to clarify any instructions for you.

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Utah is committed to compassionate, comfortable care for you and your family. Contact us today with any questions or concerns you may have about your upcoming oral surgery.