Oral surgery refers to a surgical procedure performed in the mouth or around the jaw. Oral surgery is usually performed by a dental specialist with years of experience and training in oral surgery procedures. So, Sacramento Surgical Arts can walk you through how to prepare for oral surgery.
What Are the Most Common Types of Oral Surgery?
There are many kinds of oral surgery, including surgical procedures such as tooth removal or and root canals. Some oral surgeries involve repositioning the jaw or cleaning under the gums. In other instances, oral surgery may include the removal of a tumor. Oral surgeries might be performed by an endodontist, periodontist, or prosthodontist.
Some of the most common types of oral surgery include:
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Gum grafts
- Tooth implants
- Maxillofacial surgery
- Root canals
- Jaw and tooth repair due to injury
- Permanent dentures
- Cosmetic jaw surgery
When Is the Best Time to Get Oral Surgery?
For complicated tooth and jaw procedures that go beyond a general dentist’s expertise, you might need oral surgery. If your wisdom teeth have become impacted, for example, removing them will probably require oral surgery. When suffering from gum disease or gingivitis and need a gum graft, you will be referred to a Sacramento periodontist who regularly performs this type of oral surgery. If you need oral surgery, your general dentist will help you find an oral surgeon in Sacramento with the best credentials. If it has been a while since your last procedure you will be amazed by the developments of sedation dentistry.
What Are The Best Ways to Prepare for Oral Surgery?
Prepare for oral surgery in many of the same ways you would for any serious medical procedure. The most important thing is to follow your doctor’s instructions when preparing for surgery. This includes disclosing all medications.
- Prepare for oral surgery by making sure that the space you’re returning home to is neat, clean, and organized so you aren’t burdened with housework while you’re recuperating.
- If possible, set up your bed so that, if need be, you can sit at an incline.
- Follow all pre-surgery instructions from your oral surgeon. Typically you will be asked not to eat or drink anything in the eight to ten hours before having surgery.
- Ask a friend to drive you to your oral surgery appointment and back home after the procedure is complete. Talk to your oral surgeon about what type of anesthesia you’ll be given. Some types of anesthesia can impair your ability to drive a vehicle. Depending on the type of dental procedure you’re having, you may have a topical or local anesthetic. If you have an IV anesthesia, you’ll need someone to drive you home.
What Are Some Important Parts of Oral Surgery Recovery?
In order to get the desired outcomes after your oral surgery, your postoperative healing habits need to promote healing. Do not smoke or drink any alcohol whatsoever after surgery; they can slow down the healing process. If you experience pain or inflammation, use an ice pack to bring down the swelling. Instead of brushing your teeth, rinse your mouth with salt water every few hours to kill bacteria.
Be patient with yourself and with your healing. Don’t try to do too much too soon. Depending on the type of oral surgical procedure you’ve had, your recovery might take anywhere from 48 hours to a month. Make sure to attend any follow-up appointments as directed by your oral surgeon.
Contact Sacramento Surgical Arts for More Information
If you think you might need oral surgery, there is no need to panic. An oral surgeon from Sacramento Surgical Arts can explain your options and potential outcomes. Please contact Sacramento Surgical Arts today by calling 866.930.5837 to get more information about your personal oral surgery options.
