Use the initial consultation to ask any questions you may have about the treatment. You may have different questions for different oral surgery procedures. For example, if you are getting dental implants, you would likely want to know how long you will need to wait before the restoration is placed. You may also wonder if bone grafting will be necessary in your case.
Give the oral surgeon accurate and complete information about your medical history. If you have certain conditions, such as diabetes, it can influence the healing process, as can some medications. It’s also important for your surgeon to know about any allergies that you have, especially to anesthetics or painkillers. Your surgeon will consider all of this information in developing your treatment plan.
Know what steps you will need to take before the scheduled procedure. For most procedures, including jaw surgery, bone grafting, wisdom teeth removal and dental implant placement, the patient will want to receive sedation. This may require fasting prior to the appointment and will necessitate your designating someone to make sure that you get home safely after the appointment. Your oral surgeon can discuss other specific considerations with you.
Be sure that you understand your post-operative instructions to reduce your risk of complications after the fact. You want to do everything possible to keep the surgical site clean after the procedure in order to reduce your risk of infection. Some procedures come with more specific risks. For example, wisdom teeth removal can result in a painful condition called dry sockets, in which the protective clot either doesn’t form or is dislodged prematurely, exposing the sensitive nerves underneath. Avoiding drinking straws and smoking can help to prevent dry sockets.
If you have any questions or concerns about preparing for your procedure, feel free to speak with one of our knowledgeable staff members. We are committed to making this process as stress-free as possible for you. Call our team at Great River Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery today!