Before going in for oral surgery, it's a good idea to schedule a consultation appointment with your dentist so you can learn exactly what to expect and how to prepare for the event. Here are just a few questions you should have answered during your consultation:
What Kind of Anesthesia Will Be Used?
It's important to know what kind of anesthesia will be used during your surgery so you can prepare accordingly. If local anesthesia is all that's needed, you probably won't have to take any special precautions or worry about recovering from the sedative after surgery. But if something stronger will be used to keep you unconscious throughout the surgery, you may have to do things like limit your food and water intake before surgery and there might be a recovery period to plan for while coming out of sedation. So it's a good idea to have your dentist provide you with written documentation that explains the type of anesthesia you'll be under, the possible side effects, and any preparation steps you should take before surgery.
What Recovery Steps Should Be Taken?
You can expect your dentist to provide you with a list of recovery steps to take when you show up to have surgery, but why not ask for the list ahead of time so you can be sure that you're completely prepared for the recovery process? Ask your dentist to provide you with complete care instructions that you'll have to follow after surgery. And ask for some tips and suggestions that you can use to speed up the recovery process and make it more comfortable for you overall.
From using ice packs to cleaning your teeth, your dentist should be able to provide you with guidance throughout the recovery period. Get the information you need at least a week before your surgery is scheduled so you have plenty of time to prepare and collect the supplies you'll need.
What is the Chance of Needing More Surgery?
Your problems may be completely resolved after surgery takes place, but what if they aren't? Make sure that you spend some time discussing additional treatment options if for some reason surgery doesn't work as well as expected. If you know what the options are ahead of time, you'll have the opportunity to research them all and make an educated decision if more treatments end up becoming necessary.
And if surgery doesn't provide you with the results you're looking for, you won't be so disappointed if you end up having to go with a second or even third treatment option as you'll already have them planned out. Contact a center like Center For Oral & Facial Surgery of Memphis PLLC to learn more.