Did you know that over a quarter of adults between the ages of 20 and 44 in the United States of America have cavities in their teeth? Getting dental work done might seem scary but it is an essential part of maintaining good health and it is a big part of why you should see a dentist on a consistent basis.
With that being said, there are important things that you need to consider before your upcoming oral surgery. Knowing these things will help you prepare for the procedure when you go to your dental appointment and it will give you all of the important questions to ask a dentist during your visit.
The good news is that you’re in the perfect place to learn these helpful tips and think about the considerations to have when you visit a dentist. Keep reading this article for eight things that you should think about before you get dental work.
-
Read Your Pre-Operation Instructions
If you’re getting an oral surgery done then odds are that your dentist has provided you with a list of instructions that you need to do during the days and hours leading up to the dental work. It is vital for the success of the dental work that you read these instructions and follow them to the letter.
These instructions will give you additional information about any anesthesia involved with oral surgery and the things that you need to do in order to get ready.
-
Get Your Prescribed Medication Ahead of Time
You also need to stay ahead of the game by getting your prescribed medication prior to the dental appointment if possible. This will save you time and possibly agony when it comes to waiting for the pharmacy to process the prescription. If you’re getting an oral surgery like wisdom tooth extraction then you’ll want the relief that your medication provides post-op.
This medication is also vital for making a full and successful recovery after going through with your dental appointment. Odds are that you won’t want to leave the house to do this after the surgery is complete so you’re better off going beforehand.
-
Get a Ride from Friends or Family
Another thing that you’ll want to think about when you go to see a dentist for dental work is getting a ride to the dental appointment. If there is anesthesia with the oral surgery then you won’t be capable of driving home afterward. Make sure that you get a ride from a friend or family member to the dental appointment in order to keep everyone safe.
If you’re new in town and you don’t have anyone that can help you out with getting a ride then you can always stay at the dentists’ office until you recover enough to get an Uber or a cab to drive home from your lexington dentist.
-
Go to the Grocery Store
Going to the grocery store before your oral surgery is another move that you should make. Make sure that you load up on those foods so that they’re at your home and ready to go when you get down with your oral surgery.
Do your best to stick with healthy options when it comes to beverages as well as foods. Get plenty of water, tea, and milk if you’re looking for things to drink. You should also do your best to avoid foods that are spicy or that contain high levels of acid.
-
Fast
If you know that you’re getting anesthesia for your dental work then it is a wise move to consider fasting before the operation. Depending on the type of oral surgery you’re getting, your dentist will recommend that you hold off on eating or drinking anything for a full eight hours prior to the operation.
If you have medications that you need to take each day then you should continue taking them. Just make sure that you’re consuming a small amount of water when you take your medications leading up to the oral surgery and dental appointment.
-
Select Comfortable Clothing
A smart approach is to avoid wearing clothing that has long sleeves for your oral surgery. The nurses that provide care to you will need access to your arms in order to get vital signs during the dentist visit.
-
Arrive Early
As with any appointment where you see a dentist or doctor, it is wise and considerate to arrive early to the dental appointment. You never know what paperwork they’ll want you to fill out but when you arrive early you give yourself plenty of time to take care of it before the oral surgery starts.
This is also the perfect time to ask a dentist about anything that concerns you about the oral surgery that you’re getting. Ask any and all questions as your dentist is there to help you through the process.
-
Get a Lot of Sleep
There might even be sleeping positions that are optimal for you to sleep in during the night before your dental appointment.
Make sure that when you see a dentist you ask them about what you can or should do in order to prevent placing additional pressure on your mouth before and after oral surgery.
Now You’re Prepared for Dental Work
Getting dental work might seem scary but it doesn’t have to be if you ask a dentist about your concerns prior to oral surgery. You should also make sure that you read all pre-operation instructions and get your prescription medications ahead of time. Don’t forget to arrive early and get good sleep the night before your dental appointment.
For more helpful and informative articles, make sure you check out our blog Learn More
