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Getting dental surgery can be a little scary and being prepared can help. Wondering what to expect for your next dental surgery? Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Oral Surgery?
Oral surgery refers to any surgery involving your mouth, teeth, jaw, and face. Dentists perform small oral surgeries, but oral and maxillofacial surgeons are a better option when you need more extensive dental surgery including the following:
- dental implants
- surgical repairs of developmental issues such as a cleft palate
- operations related to head and neck cancer
- surgeries to treat trauma or injuries to your face and neck
- orthognathic surgery (aka corrective jaw surgery)
- facial cosmetic surgery
- surgery to treat obstructive sleep apnea
- surgery to reduce facial pain associated with TMJ or other issues
What Training Do Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons (OMS) Complete?
Like a traditional dentist, an OMS goes to college and four years of dental school. Then, they go through an additional four to six years of training. They learn about oral and maxillofacial surgery, but they also learn how to administer anesthesia safely. For best results, you should always select board certified oral surgeons when you need dental surgery.
Which Pain Relief Is Right for Dental Surgery?
Before coming in for dental surgery, you usually have a consultation with your oral surgeon. During this appointment, talk about your pain relief options. Your surgeon can recommend the right option based on the surgery and your pain threshold and concerns. In all cases, you need local anesthesia, but you may also want oral sedatives or general anesthesia as well. If you opt for sedation dentistry, you should arrange for a ride home from your surgery.
How Do You Prepare for a Dental Surgery?
The exact preparations you need to take vary based on the type of dental surgery you are getting and to ensure you are prepared, you should consider asking your oral surgeon the following questions:
- Can I drive home after the procedure?
- What are the post-operative care instructions?
- How soon can I return to work or school?
- Can I eat and drink before dental surgery?
- Are there eating and drinking restrictions after the surgery?
If you smoke, also ask about smoking restrictions and guidelines. The answers to these questions will help you prepare for the time leading up to the surgery, and they will help you plan for your recovery as well.
What Should You Do the Day of the Dental Surgery?
On the day of your dental surgery, follow your surgeon’s orders as advised above. Plan to wear comfortable clothing to the procedure, and be considerate about not wearing heavy perfumes or colognes. You may want to bring lip balm as many surgeries dry out your lips.
At Greater Atlanta Oral Facial Surgery, we offer oral and maxillofacial services in two locations conveniently located in the Buckhead business district and Cumming. Our board-certified surgeons use cutting edge technology and safe sedation to make sure your dental surgeries go as smoothly as possible. To make an appointment, contact us today.