What you need to know about oral surgery?
Oral surgery as the name refers is a surgical treatment performed in or around your mouth and jaw, usually by our dental specialists who are certified and trained to undertake specific types of oral surgeries in a controlled environment.
When would I require oral surgery?
Oral surgery may be required for tooth and jaw procedures that are beyond the scope of a conventional dentist\’s expertise. If your wisdom teeth are impacted, for example, you may need to see an oral surgeon to have them removed. If you have gum disease and need a gum graft, you will be referred to a periodontist who specializes in such procedures. If you need oral surgery, our general dentists will discuss it with you and refer you to the appropriate dental specialist.
Pre-surgery preparation
Pre-surgery preparation for each type of surgery varies but some of the common guidelines are as follows.
- Prepare for your oral surgery in the same way you would for any other serious medical operation. Besides, always follow the instructions of your dental health care provider.
- Start by making sure the place you are returning to after the dental surgery is clean and tidy, so you can stay there for at least a few days if necessary.
- Set up your bed so that you can sit at an incline if necessary.
- Follow the pre-surgery instructions provided by your oral surgeon. In most cases, you will be instructed to fast for 8-10 hours before your procedure.
- If necessary, make arrangements for return transportation. Discuss the type of anesthetic you will be receiving with your oral surgeon (our dentists will guide you before your surgery). Some types of anesthetic can make it difficult for you to drive. A local or general anesthetic may be used depending on the type and severity of oral surgery you\’re undergoing. You will need someone to drive you home if you are receiving an intravenous anesthetic.
- Our dentists will also guide you regarding the payment methods and schedule.
Post-surgery instructions
After the surgery, our dentists will guide you to follow some instructions as listed below (these instructions will be delivered to the patient and the guardian before and after the surgery). Your recovery from oral surgery is essential to the results you and your dentists have discussed.
- After the surgery do not smoke or consume alcohol because they will slow down your recovery/healing.
- Use an ice pack to relieve inflammation if you are in pain from swelling.
- To reduce the count of bacteria, rinse your mouth with salt water every few hours instead of brushing your teeth.
- Do not brush your teeth for 2 to 3 days after the surgery. You can resume surgery after your dentist’s approval. When allowed brush gently with a soft head brush.
- Allow yourself to be patient.
- Recovery might take anything from 48 hours to a month, depending on the type of oral surgery you have.
- Look for bleeding and puss formation. If the treatment area heavily bleeds, get an immediate consultation from dental surgeons.
- Schedule an appointment with our surgeons or as recommended.
- Diet plays an integral part in the healing of your oral surgery. At times the intravenous diet is recommended if the surgery is of intense level. However, for regular dental surgeries consume a soft, cold, and liquid diet. Avoid hard, crunchy, spicy, and hot food. Make sure not to use a straw, as it will disturb the surgery area.
