You may feel stressed or even scared if you have an upcoming oral surgery like a tooth extraction, apicoectomy, or bone grafting. Fortunately, with a little preparation and a lot of information, you can feel secure and ready. Pre-surgery self-care can mean anything from showing up early to your appointment to getting someone to help around the house as you recover. But one of the best actions you can take is to review common oral surgery FAQ.

At Desert Dental Alternatives we are experts at helping our patients achieve a calm and confident frame of mind prior to their procedure. Our inviting office utilizes cutting-edge dental technology for seamless treatment and faster recovery. During your consultation, we’ll explain the surgery thoroughly and address any questions you might have.

3 Most Common Oral Surgery Questions

Information is key to feeling positive about any surgery. You should feel free to ask your dentist any questions you might have, even if they seem silly to you. It’s perfectly fine to ask if it will hurt or ask about other options. Below are the most common patient questions associated with oral surgery to ask during your consultation.

• What happens during the surgical procedure? Your doctor will explain in detail how the surgery will be performed during your consultation.
• Will I need anesthesia? You may need anything from local to general anesthesia, depending on your treatment.
• How long will my recovery be? Average recovery time for most oral surgeries is 3-4 weeks for complete healing.

Our caring team wants you to feel as comfortable as possible during your time with us. Keep the below thoughts in mind when planning your surgery and aftercare.

What Happens During the Surgical Procedure?

The answer is always going to depend on the type of surgery. During your consultation, your doctor will show you pictures and models explaining how your particular procedure is done. You’ll discuss a treatment plan that fits your unique needs, any aftercare instructions, and whether or not you’ll need to take time off of work. Don’t be afraid to write things down, ask the doctor to explain the procedure to you again, or ask for additional information resources.

Will I Need Anesthesia?

There are many levels of anesthesia. The kind your doctor recommends for you will depend on the complexity of your surgery. Some procedures may only need the immediate area to be numb, usually requiring a local anesthetic. Others demand complete unconsciousness, meaning you’ll be under general anesthesia. In this case, you shouldn’t eat after midnight the night before your appointment. You’ll also need a ride home and someone to look after you for a day when you go home.

How Long Will My Recovery Be?

During the first few days after surgery, your doctor will likely recommend a lot of sleep, ice, and soft foods. It’s important that you listen to their advice during this time. Most infections tend to occur because of improper recovery at home. If you experience anything amiss like sudden excessive bleeding or increasing discomfort as time goes on, call our office.

Request a Consultation

Now that you have an idea of what to expect in general for oral surgery, it’s time to dig in on the details for yours. We’ve served countless patients and we can’t wait to count you among our many success stories. Call Desert Dental Alternatives at (760) 324-4450 or send us a message to schedule your consultation.