Undergoing any kind of medical procedure is scary, and it is natural to feel nervous about oral surgery. If you want to ease your mind before an upcoming procedure, one of the most effective ways to do so is by learning what the surgery will actually entail. Below, the compassionate dental care team at Lowitz & Meier in Cincinnati, OH, explains what you can expect from oral surgery.

What Does Oral Surgery Entail?

Getting Started

Every procedure begins with a surgical consultation. During this appointment, your dentist will assess the issue, as well as your oral health in general, and take dental x-rays to determine the best way to proceed. Depending on the necessary treatment, you may undergo your procedure that same day.

Extractions & Implants

Extractions and implants are two of the most common oral surgical procedures. Although they are two totally different surgeries, the preparation and aftercare are similar. On the day of the surgery, your dentist will go over your medical history and confirm the procedure with you. Later, the nursing staff will check your vital signs, which includes your blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen levels. Depending on the extent of the procedure, you may then get an IV sedation or nitrous oxide.

When you wake up, your dentist will tell you and your caregiver how to care for the surgical site. This might include avoiding certain foods and biting down on gauze if you experience minor bleeding. You may get a prescription for painkillers, as well, and your dentist will tell you when to take them.

Before leaving, you will have to schedule a follow-up appointment, so your dentist can assess how your mouth is healing. Luckily, the mouth is incredibly vascular and tends to recover fairly quickly as a result. Most people who undergo oral surgery are back at work within one to two weeks.

If you think you may need oral surgery, head to Lowitz & Meier. Visit their website to learn more about the friendly team at this Cincinnati dentist office, and call (513) 521-8900 to make an appointment today.