How We Create a Safe & Comfortable Oral Surgery Environment
When you undergo oral surgery, we understand that it can be nerve-wracking. That’s why our Jupiter dental team ensures you’re aware of every step of the process and you’re set up for success. Dr. Villalobos provides detailed instructions before and after surgery to make sure both the procedure and recovery go as smoothly as possible. Keep reading for helpful tips and instructions.
What to Do Before Oral Surgery
You must follow all instructions given to you before your oral surgery. This lowers the risk of complications and allows for a successful surgery. Please do the following:
- Don’t eat or drink anything (including water) for eight hours before your surgical appointment. For morning surgeries, don’t consume any food or liquids after midnight the night before.
- No smoking for at least 12 hours before your surgery. Ideally, cut down or stop completely one day prior.
- Have someone you trust accompany you to our office so they can drive you safely home following surgery.
- Plan to rest for the remainder of the day after surgery. Don’t attempt to drive or operate vehicles or heavy machinery for the first 24 hours following your procedure.
- Please wear loose-fitting clothing with sleeves that can be rolled up past the elbows.
- Please notify our office if you’re suffering from a sore throat, cold, stomachache, or bowel distress.
- If you take any oral medications, please check with your doctor for instructions before your surgery date.
- Any use of alcohol or recreational drugs can have an adverse effect on the anesthesia medications used. Please discontinue the use of these substances for at least 72 hours before your procedure.
After Wisdom Tooth Removal
Wisdom tooth extraction is a surgical procedure that requires some post-operative care to ensure success and reduce the chance of infection or other complications.
A gauze pad will be placed over the extraction site immediately after surgery and shouldn’t be removed for at least 45 minutes. Refrain from drinking through a straw or rinsing your mouth to ensure that you don’t dislodge the blood clot that’s formed. Make sure to rest and limit your activity for the remainder of the day. You can resume normal activities the day following your surgery if you’re feeling up to it.
If prescribed any pain medication, make sure to take it accordingly. This will help reduce the amount of discomfort you feel after the local anesthetic wears off.
After Dental Implant Surgery
After a dental implant procedure, it’s recommended that you take it easy for at least 48 to 72 hours. Resting allows for proper healing and limits bleeding after surgery. Drink plenty of fluids, but nothing too cold. We recommend applying an ice pack to your face in twenty-minute intervals for at least two days following surgery.
If you received upper dental implants, don’t blow your nose for two weeks. It’s common to experience slight bleeding for about two days after your procedure. You’ll likely feel some slight discomfort for the first couple of days. We recommend taking over-the-counter pain medications to ease your discomfort or any medications prescribed to you accordingly.
After Removing an Impacted Tooth
A tooth becomes impacted when there’s not enough space to accommodate it in the dental arch and growth becomes almost impossible. After a procedure where an impacted tooth is removed, you can expect to experience slight discomfort and swelling.
We recommend using cold compresses to alleviate any swelling. In addition, you’ll be prescribed pain medication. Make sure to treat the extraction site with extra caution and modify your diet for the first few days following surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many oral surgeries are covered under health insurance plans. We recommend getting an estimate from your doctor and then contacting your insurance company to see if the procedure and a portion of its expenses are covered. If you have any questions or need additional financial help, contact our Jupiter office. Call us at (561)-744-0677, and one of our knowledgeable team members will be happy to assist you.
While the entire healing process can last a few weeks, the post-op surgery recovery period is relatively quick. You should plan to rest for at least two days following your surgery. Dr. Villalobos will give you more detailed instructions but expect to take two to three days off from physical activity to properly recover.
Get Your Oral Health Back on Track With Dr. Villalobos
Sometimes, in order to get your oral health back on track, oral surgery may be necessary. With Dr. Villalobos, you can rest assured you’ll go through a safe and effective procedure and a smooth recovery process. To learn more about oral surgery instructions, call our Jupiter office at (561) 744-0677. You can also reach out through our online contact form, and one of our team members will get back to you shortly.