Before you undergo oral or maxillofacial surgery at Rutgers Health University Dental Associates, you’ll have a consultation with your oral surgeon to go over the details of your impending procedure. This is a great time to ask all of the questions that may be running through your mind about oral surgery and what it means for you. Your oral surgeon will be happy to answer any questions you have so that you can feel secure in your decision to move forward with the surgery.
In most cases, your oral surgeon will offer up everything you need to know about your surgery, but it’s good to have a written list of your concerns to ensure nothing is missed and to cover anything that is making you uncomfortable or nervous about the procedure. If you don’t know what to ask, here’s a list of questions you may want to bring with you to discuss during your consultation.
How Should I Prepare for My Surgery?
Depending on the type of oral surgery you’ll be having there will likely be dietary restrictions leading up to the procedure. You may be asked to stop eating or drinking for several hours beforehand. If you’re a smoker, there will likely be restrictions on when you can smoke before and after the surgery. And you may need to arrange for someone to be with you and transport you home because you won’t be able to drive after having local anesthesia.
What Will Happen During My Surgery?
The length and complexity of your procedure will vary depending on what the goal is for your surgery. You may be having something as simple as wisdom teeth removed or as complicated as bone grafting and dental implants. You should discuss with your oral surgeon what will be happening during the surgery to understand how long it will take, if you will feel any pain, and other issues that may arise.
Are There Any Risks?
Whenever you undergo surgery with or without anesthesia, there are risks, even if they are minimal. You should discuss the risks with your oral surgeon so that you can make an informed decision about your options.
How Long Will It Take to Recover?
It’s important to know how long it will generally take to recover from the surgery because you’ll want to be able to tell if you’re not healing properly. If you’re still experiencing pain or abnormal healing after the normal recovery periods, you should speak to your oral surgeon.
Will I Experience Pain After the Surgery, and Can I Take Pain Medication?
It’s also important to understand what level of pain is normal versus what should be attended to by a medical professional. You’ll also want to know what type of pain medication is okay to take and for how long.
What Foods, If Any, Will I Need to Avoid After the Procedure?
After your surgery, your mouth, gums, and teeth may be sensitive or need time to heal before you eat certain foods or consume certain beverages. Get a list of foods to avoid immediately after your procedure so that you know how to ensure a speedy recovery.
Contact Rutgers Health University Dental Associates for an Appointment Today
If you think you may need oral surgery, contact Rutgers Health University Dental Associates. Our dentists and specialists, who are Rutgers School of Dental Medicine faculty members, will assess your need for surgery and discuss the best options for you. You can make an appointment today at our New Brunswick or Newark location.