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Depending on what type of oral surgery you’re undergoing, you’ll have to be aware of any potential complications and ensure you’re well prepared for the procedure before and after. But what exactly should you ask your doctor about before your surgery?
What are the details of my procedure?
Before you go in for your procedure, make sure you clarify all the details beforehand with your surgeon. You should be clear on how long the surgery will take, whether or not you will be awake during it, and what the surgery is expected to achieve. Discuss with your doctor about having a self retaining surgery retractor. These devices can be tailored to you and they are secured in a way that will reduce the chance of injury to your soft tissues during your procedure.
What preparation should I do beforehand?
If you’re going to be under a general anaesthetic, then it’s likely you’ll be required to fast for a specific amount of time beforehand. However, there might be other preparations you should be aware of, regardless of whether or not you’ll be conscious. These could include refraining from smoking and alcohol, wearing the appropriate clothing, or stocking up on groceries and medications to last you through your recovery.
When can I eat and drink?
Many surgical procedures, such as those where you’re under general anaesthetic, require that you have an empty stomach, so it’s important to be aware of this beforehand. You should also be clear on when exactly you’re able to resume eating and drinking following your surgery.
You might be advised not to eat for a number of hours following some procedures, such as tooth extraction. This is because eating too soon after tooth removal can dislodge the blood clot and cause you to develop a very painful condition known as dry socket.
Can I go home afterwards myself?
Depending on what type of oral surgery you’re having will depend on how well you are afterwards to go home alone. If you’ve been under anaesthesia, then you’ll likely be advised to arrange for someone to pick you up afterwards. Even if you’re awake for the procedure, some numbing injections can cause mild drowsiness in some people, so make sure you check with your surgeon.
What about medication?
You might be prescribed medication to take after your surgery, so you should ensure you are clear on how and when to take this. Also check with your surgeon about any potential drug interactions. You might need extra pain relief, so it’s vital that you clarify that it’s safe to mix over the counter tablets with your prescribed medicine.
What are the possible complications?
All surgical procedures come with some risk, though fortunately, serious complications are rare. However, it’s still important to discuss with your doctor about any possible difficulties that might arise after your surgery.
What will my recovery be like?
Everyone responds to surgical procedures differently, but you should still ask your doctor what your recovery is likely to entail. Make sure you’re aware of any follow-up appointments and take advice on how you can hasten your recovery – for instance, you might be advised to avoid smoking or drinking alcohol for a period of time afterwards.
Conclusion
Asking your doctor these questions before oral surgery will give you the best chance of your procedure going ahead without complications and increase the likelihood of a faster recovery.
Throughout his career, Andras Kovacs has developed a deep understanding of DNA and its applications in genealogy and genetic testing. He has helped thousands of individuals uncover their ancestral heritage, using cutting-edge DNA analysis to trace family lineages and reveal connections across generations.