Oral surgery: What to Expect at the Initial Consultation
When you first find out that you need oral surgery, you may feel nervous or anxious. This is not an unusual reaction. Many patients have some fear, as these procedures can be complex and require a long recovery. You will never have to go through any oral procedures without first getting all the information you need from your dentist.
Choosing the right dentist
A patient’s regular family dentist may do the oral surgery. Some dentists, however, may refer the person to another dentist who has more familiarly with oral operations. Patients should look for dentists that have worked on many other people with similar issues. The dentist should communicate well and have a good bedside manner. Good professionals understand that these processes may be difficult for patients. So, the dental professional needs to have empathy.
Examination and review
Before getting too far in the oral surgery process, the dentist will make sure it is right for the patient. The dentist will take X-rays of the patient’s mouth and will also make impressions. There will also be an in-depth discussion of the person’s medical and dental history. The dentist will ask about current medications the patient is taking. The dentist will also want to know about recent surgeries the patient has had and whether they have any allergies.
Description of the procedure
The dental staff wants the patient to feel as comfortable as possible during the oral surgery. Knowing what will take place before, during and after the surgery can help the patient be more at ease. The dentist will walk the person through every step of the surgery, including how long the recovery will be. The dentist may show the patient pictures and diagrams of the area in the mouth they will be working on.
Talking about anesthesia
In most cases with oral surgery, the dentist will use general anesthesia to induce unconsciousness in the patient. This will render the patient immobile and asleep throughout the surgery. For someone who has never experienced this, it can be stressful to think about. The dentist will talk about how this process works and what it will feel like afterward. This discussion should also include tips for a faster, successful recovery, including what to eat and what foods to avoid.
Recommendations for surgery day
The dentist may give the patient materials about what to bring and prepare for the day of surgery. The patient should arrange for transportation home from the oral surgery. The patient should also wear comfortable clothing and remove any jewelry. The person should not eat for up to eight hours after the procedure.
Making oral surgery positive
Though this surgery can be a little scary, the results can help with your oral health and overall wellness. The initial consultation can give you peace of mind that you will be in good hands. If at any point you have concerns or questions, your dentist will be happy to address them. When you are ready to get started, make an appointment for your consultation.
Request an appointment here: https://www.stgeorgedentalcare.com or call St. George Dental Care at (435) 628-9099 for an appointment in our St George office.
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