Whether you’re getting your wisdom teeth removed or having facial trauma corrected, oral surgery can be a stressful event. Just like any other surgery, you’ll need to prepare before the day of the operation. If you take a few preventative steps, you’ll feel more confident heading into the procedure and have a smoother healing process. Below are the top four things to do before the appointment with your oral surgeon.

How to Prepare for Upcoming Oral Surgery

1. Stock Up On Appropriate Foods

After surgery, your oral surgeon will put you on a restricted diet to prevent disrupting the surgical site while it’s healing. This means eating soft or liquid foods for several days, and you’ll want to stock up on them before your surgery, as you won’t be able to drive or go out for a few days afterward. Applesauce, soups, creamy mashed potatoes, smoothies, and yogurt are all options for your diet, and if you have a hand mixer, you can also puree soft foods and proteins to make them safe to eat.

2. Arrange Transport & Help

You’ll be given a strong anesthetic during oral surgery — often general anesthesia, though it depends on how extensive your procedure is —  to keep you calm, comfortable, and still. After your appointment, the lingering effects of the anesthesia will prevent you from driving, so ask a family member or friend for help. Have them drop you off at your appointment and take you home when you’re done. If possible, ask someone to stay with you for a day or two after the procedure, too, to help you with food preparation, cleaning, and medication reminders, as you should take it easy while you’re healing.

3. Boost Your Immune System

Infection is one of the main complications of oral and jaw surgery, so it never hurts to build your immune system up before the procedure. Exercise, eat a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products, and get at least seven to nine hours of sleep each night in the weeks leading up to your procedure to enhance your immune system’s function. You can also increase your intake of key nutrients, like vitamin C, to further supplement your diet.

4. Dress to Impress

The morning of your surgery, be mindful of what you wear to make things simpler for your surgeon. You should be freshly showered and free of makeup to prevent contamination of the surgical field. Your clothing should be comfortable and breathable, allowing you to move freely. Avoid wearing jewelry, too, as it can contaminate the field or catch on your surgeon’s clothing or tools.

Oral surgery can be a nerve-wracking procedure, but the team at Oral Surgery Associates of Central Georgia is dedicated to making the experience as comfortable as possible. Since 1997, this board-certified oral surgeon has provided advanced oral and jaw surgery services to residents throughout Houston County, GA, performing procedures like wisdom tooth removal, facial trauma restoration, and dental implants. Your wellness and convenience are their priorities, so they also offer services such as 3-D dental X-rays, after-hours emergency care, and electronic appointment reminders. Learn more about the facility online, or call (478) 971-8811 to schedule an appointment today.