How to Prepare for Dental Surgery

Whether you need a tooth pulled or your jaw realigned, you will likely need to see a dental surgeon. Dental surgery is just as serious as other surgeries, even if you're not being put under heavy anesthesia, so it's important to have the facts beforehand and prepare to take care of yourself afterwards.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Soft foods
• Information from your doctor
• Friend to take you home

1. Talk to your oral surgeon before the procedure so you understand exactly what will be done. Find out how the surgery will affect your life afterward and make preparations. For example, if you won't be able to chew for 3 weeks, stock up on soft foods like yogurt.
2. Consider calling other dental offices for price estimates, or getting a second opinion from another oral surgeon. Keep in mind that cheaper does not mean better, but you might discover that you can save some money, feel more comfortable with another surgeon or that you don't need surgery after all.
3. Call your insurance company in advance. Some surgeries and procedures need to be pre-approved before an insurance company will cover them. Make sure to call as early as possible.
4. Request a copy of your dental and medical records to present to your oral surgeon. She will likely ask for a full medical history, and having your records on hand will help streamline the procedure and ensure that you don't have any drug interactions.
5. Stop eating or drinking for at least 6 hours before surgery if you plan to be put under for the procedure. You will need a friend to drive you home as well because the anesthesia will make you feel groggy after you wake up. For more information on anesthesia, visit the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons website (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• The calmer you are, the easier your dental surgery will be in most cases. If you can't calm down, ask your surgeon for a stronger sedative prior to surgery.
• Prepare your family for the surgery. Tell them what you are having fixed and how it will affect you afterwards.
• Don't expect you will return to your regular life right away after surgery. Some surgeries require lots of bedrest, so plan to take some time off.