From dental implants to tooth extraction, you may undergo oral surgery at some point in your life to keep your smile healthy and beautiful. Knowing how to prepare for your procedure in advance will ease anxiety and decrease the risk of complications, supporting a smooth recovery. Find out what you can do to get ready below.

Do: 

Arrange for transportation.

You will be sedated for your oral surgery, which will leave you confused and possibly woozy when you wake up. Have a trusted friend or family member drive you there and back. It can also be comforting having them by your side for emotional support. 

Hit the grocery store beforehand.

Ask your oral surgeon for dietary recommendations and stock up on food accordingly. You may have limited chewing ability for a while after oral surgery, so you’ll need soft foods like apple sauce, yogurt, and smoothies.

Don’t:

Forget your medications.

Your oral surgeon may prescribe medications to ease your recovery; for instance, anti-inflammatories, painkillers, or antibiotics. Get any prescriptions filled before your operation. If you take other medications, inform your oral surgeon to rule out possible adverse reactions from mixing.

Wear your usual clothes on surgery day.

Lay out your outfit the night before your operation, so you have one less item on your to-do list on the big day. Opt for loose-fitting, comfortable clothing. You may require an IV in your arm, for example, and need to be able to roll your sleeve up accordingly.

If you’re considering a surgical procedure to improve your oral health, have it done at Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska. Serving residents of Anchorage with a comprehensive array of cutting-edge procedures, Dr. William F. Bergeron, Jr. and Dr. Ray Holloway are both board-certified in oral and maxillofacial surgery. They provide gentle care, using the latest diagnostic tools and surgical techniques to assure effective outcomes for everything from wisdom teeth removal to dental implants. Visit their website for a full list of the procedures they perform. To book an appointment, call (907) 561-1430.