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More than one in five patients report dental anxiety levels high enough to delay care when oral surgery is recommended. Unfortunately, this delay in essential dental care can lead to more severe dental problems, including severe dental pain, tooth infections, or a systemic infection that can be life-threatening.
That anxiety often grows in the silence between the appointment and the surgery date, fed by unanswered questions and worst-case thoughts. What many patients don’t realize is that the more you understand about what is coming, the less power that fear has over you.
Read on to get a thorough understanding of what oral surgery involves, including your anesthesia and dental sedation options, how to prepare your body and your home for recovery, and where to find the best dentists in Pflugerville to guide your surgery.
When is Oral Surgery Needed?
Oral surgery refers to a collection of procedures performed in or around your mouth, teeth, gums, or jaw. And many of them are far more routine than their name suggests. The two most common oral surgery procedures are dental implant surgery and wisdom tooth extraction. Other procedures that fall under oral surgery include tooth extraction, bone grafting, corrective jaw surgery, dental abscess treatment, infected tooth removal, and treatment for gum disease or deep dental infections.
Leaving certain dental problems untreated can make things significantly worse over time. For instance, an infected tooth that goes unremoved can lead to an abscess, and impacted wisdom teeth can push against neighboring teeth and cause damage. The best dentists in Pflugerville only recommend oral surgery when the alternative is likely to cost you more discomfort, money, and dental health down the road.
Understanding Anesthesia and Dental Sedation Options for Oral Surgery
One of the biggest concerns patients have before oral surgery is whether they will feel pain during the procedure. The answer is no. When you choose the best oral sedation dentist in Pflugerville, your comfort is the highest priority. Dental anesthesia options vary depending on the procedure, but typical options include:
- Local anesthesia for simpler surgeries, such as a single tooth extraction
- General anesthesia or IV sedation for more complex procedures, like dental implants or impacted wisdom teeth
- Nitrous oxide, sometimes called laughing gas, can take the edge off dental anxiety and may be used in conjunction with deeper sedation or local anesthesia to ensure your comfort
Your oral surgeon will talk through all of these options with you before the day of surgery so you can make a choice that fits your comfort level and the needs of your procedure.
How to Prepare for Oral Surgery
Preparation can genuinely change how your surgery and recovery go. In the days leading up to your procedure, you’ll want to review all your current medications and supplements with your oral surgeon to ensure you’re not at risk of bleeding or slow healing. Additionally, you’ll want to stop smoking for as long as possible before surgery, as this can significantly reduce your body’s ability to heal.
On surgery day, you should:
- Wear loose-fitting clothing with sleeves that can be rolled up past the elbow
- Remove contact lenses and jewelry before arriving
- Avoid tobacco and alcohol for at least 24 hours before the procedure
- Follow all fasting rules if you are getting IV dental sedation or general anesthesia
It is also worth getting your home ready before you leave for your appointment:
- Set up a comfortable recovery space with extra pillows so you can rest at an incline
- Pick up any prescription medications ahead of time
- Stock your kitchen with soft foods so that everything you need is already waiting for you when you return
You should also review your post-operative instructions with your dentist before surgery day, so you understand any special care instructions.
Oral Surgery Recovery: What to Eat, What to Avoid, and When to Call Your Oral Surgeon
How long full recovery takes depends on the procedure. The first 24 hours are the most important, and the key rule during that window is to take it slow. Most patients heal from a routine extraction within seven to ten days, while dental implants may take months to fully fuse with the jaw, and corrective jaw surgery can require several weeks to months of recovery time.
During the first week of healing, soft food options are the best choice. Popular options include:
- Scrambled eggs
- Mashed potatoes
- Yogurt
- Ripe bananas
- Cooked pasta
Avoid spicy, acidic, crunchy, and hot foods for at least the first week, and hold off on alcohol until your surgeon clears you. You’ll also want to avoid smoking or using a straw entirely. The slight suction can dislodge the blood clot forming over your surgical site and lead to a painful condition called dry socket.
Things to watch out for include bleeding that seems severe or doesn’t stop within a couple of minutes, and developing a fever. Both of these warrant a visit to an emergency dentist.
Finding the Best Dentist in Pflugerville for Oral Surgery
With the right information and the right team behind you, oral surgery can be something you walk into with confidence and walk out knowing you’ll have a fast and pain-free recovery. At Pflugerville Family Dentistry, our team is committed to providing patient-centered care, which includes a warm, welcoming environment, an array of anesthesia options, and pain control.
Ready to get on the path of better oral health with oral surgery from the best dentist in Pflugerville?
