Advances in Mental Health

Whether you are getting your wisdom teeth pulled, dental implants put in, or more extensive oral surgery, it's important to be prepared. Speak with your dentist or oral surgeon about the specific needs of your procedure. You may need to fast the night before, or take certain medications before your surgery. Being prepared will help alleviate the stress that comes with having to have an oral procedure done.

Ask If You Will Need General Anesthetics

When you require general anesthetics, you won't be able to eat before your procedure. Mainly due to choking hazards, patients that must go under anesthesia on a routine basis should take all necessary precautions. This means that you can't eat or drink at least six hours before your procedure, possibly more if your surgeon or dentist, like those at Iowa Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, PC, tells you to. This is for your own safety, so follow this precaution closely.

Get Your Meals Ready for the Next Few Days

Although meals might be a loose term, get prepared by having the foods you can eat in your home for when you return from surgery. You will require soft foods that don't need much chewing, and plenty of liquids. You want to choose foods that won't irritate your gums, and you should avoid using straws because it can hinder the healing process. Soft foods such as yogurt, soups, bananas, hummus, ice cream, and pasta are all good choices for post oral surgery eating.

Plan Your Ride Home

While you will be capable of driving yourself to your surgical appointment, you will not be able to drive after the surgery is done. You will be waking from general anesthesia, and you won't be alert enough to be safe on the road. Make sure that you have a ride after surgery, and don't be afraid to ask a friend or family member to wait for you while the procedure is being done. Oral surgery isn't a lot of fun, and having a loved one there can make it easier.

Create a Recovery Space

You will need about 48 hours to recover from your oral surgery. To make this easier on you, create a recovery space for yourself that is both comfortable and entertaining. You will need to rest, relax, and rejuvenate, so don't schedule anything hectic during this time. Let your body heal by giving yourself the time you need to recover. Have plenty of reading materials, movies and pillows for your recovery space, and you will be back to feeling great in no time.