If your dentist has recommended you undergo oral surgery to remove wisdom teeth or to have dental implants inserted, you may understand what the procedure entails but not how to prepare for it. Taking steps to get ready for your surgery can make procedure day and your recovery less stressful. Here, the experts at Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska in Anchorage outline four steps they ask patients to take before their scheduled surgery. 

Arrange Transportation

After your oral surgery, you will continue to feel the effects of anesthesia for several hours, making it unsafe for you to drive. Before your procedure date, make arrangements with a friend, neighbor, or relative who can drive you to and from the office.

Ask Your Oral Surgeon About Fasting

Patients undergoing oral surgery typically need to fast before the procedure. Most people are advised to avoid food for up to 12 hours before their appointment. If you are on any prescription medications, tell your oral surgeon and continue taking them as needed.

Plan for Healing Time

After oral surgery, your mouth may be swollen and tender, and you will still feel the effects of the anesthesia. To combat pain related to the procedure, your surgeon may prescribe medication. Give yourself at least 48 hours to rest while the anesthetic wears off, and you adjust to any side effects of your pain medicine.

Plan Your Meals

In the days following surgery, your dental team will recommend you eat soft foods like yogurt, soups, and smoothies. Buy these items in advance, so you don’t have to shop right after your procedure. Immediately after your oral surgery, remember to eat only room temperature foods; the anesthetic will prevent you from knowing whether food is too hot or too cold to eat safely.

Whether you need wisdom teeth removal to prevent overcrowding or dental implants to improve your smile, Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska will provide compassionate care and comprehensive patient education. Call (907) 561-1430 to schedule an appointment. To learn more about their oral surgery procedures, visit their website.