People of all ages benefit from oral surgery to remove problem teeth, reduce crowding, and address facial trauma. Preparing for your appointment will support the recovery process and assuage your fears about the procedure, so use this guide to get ready for your surgery.

Do:

Learn about the procedure.

The surgery team will walk you through anesthesia options and which they recommend as well as a step-by-step look at how they do the surgery. They’ll also warn you about potential complications, like side effects from the anesthesia.

Ask any questions you have, like whether you can eat before the appointment or if you should stop drinking ahead of time. Your oral surgeon will also share aftercare tips and an expected recovery timeframe. 

Go shopping.

Swing by the pharmacy and grocery store before the procedure to purchase food and medication. It’s easier to handle these tasks now, as you’ll likely be groggy from the anesthesia and may struggle to think clearly for a few hours after the procedure.

Talk to your surgery team about what foods they recommend. They may suggest soft foods, like broth, pudding, and yogurt, that are easy to digest and won’t require chewing. Stock up on these items a day or two ahead of time.

Go to the pharmacist and get any prescription pain killers or anti-inflammatory medications, so you can start taking them after the operation.

Don’t:

Use tobacco.

Smoking or chewing tobacco before oral surgery can increase your likelihood of complications. Quit a week or so before surgery to encourage blood flow in your gums. Without proper circulation, the gums won’t heal as quickly, and you’re more likely to contract an infection that lengthens healing time.

Arrive solo.

Oral surgery often requires anesthesia, and most practices won’t let a patient drive or use public transportation to get home from their procedure after receiving it. Have someone with a valid driver’s license bring you to the appointment and wait until it’s over to take you home. 

If you’re looking for an experienced team to handle your procedure, turn to Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska in Anchorage. Their board-certified surgeons handle everything from wisdom teeth to sports-related oral trauma. Call (907) 561-1430 to make an appointment, or visit the website for more information on their capabilities.